Uncle Tom’s Cabin/Josiah Henson House

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Interior Uncle Tom's Cabin, photo Courtesy of Cousin Kathleen's Guide Service

Exterior of Uncle Tom's Cabin Site, photo Courtesy of Cousin Kathleen's Guide Service

Uncle Tom's Cabin Site, photos Courtesy of Cousin Kathleen’s Guide Service

Uncle Tom’s Cabin/Josiah Henson House
2951 Uncle Tom’s Rd, Dresden
www.uncletomscabin.org

The Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Josiah Henson House is a representation of the historic Elgin Settlement. The site recognizes accomplishments of fugitive slaves in the Dresden area in particular Josiah Henson. Henson was born into slavery in Maryland but escaped with his family to Upper Canada in 1830. Henson settled first in Colchester then in 1841 he helped create the Dawn Settlement at what is now Dresden. He also established the British America Institute which helped fugitives learn technical skills. Josiah Henson was acknowledged by Harriet Beecher Stowe as being the basis for her novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

The 5 acre site features the Josiah Henson Interpretive Centre, The North Star Theatre and the Underground Railroad Gallery. Visitors will also view a restored church, sawmill, 2 cemeteries, the Harris House, the smokehouse, the family cemetery and the cabin.

Letter from Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, courtesy of the McCurdy Collection, The Archives of Ontario

Poster, courtesy of the McCurdy Collection, The Archives of Ontario

Clippings, courtesy of the McCurdy Collection, The Archives of Ontario

Images courtesy of the McCurdy Collection, The Archives of Ontario

The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.