CHESAPEAKE CITY — May 13, 2025 — The National Park Service announced Monday that St. Augustine Church has been officially designated a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site, honoring its role in the complex and courageous fight for freedom during the American Revolution.
In the late summer of 1777, as Cecil County became a battleground in the Philadelphia Campaign, enslaved individuals seized a fleeting opportunity for escape from bondage. Amidst the chaos of war and the arrival of British troops in northeastern Maryland, at least four enslaved individuals from Cecil County boldly fled to the royal forces encamped at the village of St. Augustine, with its historic Episcopal Church at the heart of the community. Their courageous action exemplified the resilience and determination of enslaved people in Cecil County during the Revolutionary War, marking St. Augustine Church as a vital crossroads in the journey to freedom.
St. Augustine stands among 31 newly recognized sites spanning thirteen states, each contributing to the enduring legacy of resistance against enslavement. The Network to Freedom program is dedicated to honoring, preserving, and sharing these stories of courage and determination.
“The designation of St. Augustine Church as a Network to Freedom site underscores the profound historical significance of this place,” said the Rev. Dr. Darcy Williams. “It honors the extraordinary courage of those who risked everything in pursuit of freedom, and we are pleased our church has been recognized for playing a role in the enduring struggle for freedom.”
Cecil County Executive Adam Streight also praised the designation, calling it a meaningful milestone for the county.“The recognition of St. Augustine Church as a Network to Freedom site sheds light on a profound and often overlooked chapter of our county’s history,”Streight said.“It honors the bravery of those who sought freedom under extraordinary circumstances and reaffirms our responsibility to preserve and reflect on that legacy for future generations.”
With a history that goes back to the late 1600s, St. Augustine has long been a cornerstone of the community.
This nomination was made possible through a collaborative effort involving St. Augustine Church, the National Park Service, the Maryland Office of Tourism, and Cecil County Tourism.
For more information on National Park Service Sites in Cecil County