House Divided Launches Dickinson & Slavery Historic Walking Tour

Dickinson & Slavery Historic Walking Tour map

Tour launch coincides with Rev. Martin Luther King’s 1961 visit to campus

by Tony Moore

On April 7, Dickinson’s House Divided Project will launch a historic walking tour on campus for the Dickinson & Slavery initiative. The launch coincides with National Walking Day as well as Rev. Martin Luther King’s 1961 visit to campus, during which he gave a speech previewing his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. 

The walking tour commemorates the role of slavery and freedom in Dickinson history, and it includes the following stops:

  • Slavery & Dickinson’s Founding: Marker describes contributions of enslaved people to the college’s founding and the founders’ contradictory views regarding slavery. Location: Old West.
  • Dred Scott Case: Marker explains the role of Dickinsonians on both sides in the controversial Dred Scott case (1857). Location: Behind East College.
  • House Divided Studio: Outdoor markers and murals help commemorate the role of free Blacks and formerly enslaved people in Dickinson history. Location: 61 N. West Street.
  • Pinkney Gate: Marker honors both Carrie and Noah Pinkney, popular Carlisle food sellers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Location: West Street, facing East College.
  • Black Employees: Marker highlights the contributions of various Black employees during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Location: Bosler Hall.
  • Spradley-Young Hall: Banner marks the rededication of this residence hall in honor of Henry W. Spradley and Robert C. Young, two longtime employees of the college and noted community leaders. Location: Former Cooper Hall, High Street.

Matthew Pinsker, the director of House Divided, professor of history and Dickinson's Pohanka Chair in American Civil War History, along with student interns Charlotte Goodman ’23, Liz McCreary ’22 and Amanda Sowah ’22, will guide the half-mile tour. President Margee Ensign will deliver brief remarks.

The event is open to the college community, and attendees should meet at the steps of Old West at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday for the noon start time.

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS

Published April 5, 2021