Austin F. Williams House and Carriage House

Austin F. Williams: A Champion of Abolition and Freedom

Austin F. Williams (1805–1885) was a prominent abolitionist in Farmington, known for his dedication to the fight against slavery. His commitment to aiding freedom seekers left a lasting impact on both his community and the broader abolitionist movement.

Sheltering the Mende Africans of La Amistad

Williams played a key role in providing refuge for the Mende Africans of La Amistad following their landmark legal victory. On his property, he initially constructed a carriage house as a primary residence for the Mende during their stay in Farmington. Shortly after, he built his own home and repurposed the original structure as a carriage house, which later became a crucial part of the Underground Railroad.

A Safe Haven for Freedom Seekers

The carriage house contained a hidden trap door leading to a windowless basement, where those escaping slavery could safely hide. One of the freedom seekers who found refuge with the Williams family was Henry Davis, who had escaped enslavement in Virginia. Davis is believed to have risked his own freedom by returning to the South to help others escape. He ultimately survived and returned to Farmington, where he lived and worked on the Williams property for 70 years as a farmer and farm manager.

Post-Civil War Advocacy and a Lasting Legacy

After the Civil War, Williams continued his work for racial justice by leading a local branch of the Freedmen’s Bureau, an organization dedicated to securing employment and resources for formerly enslaved individuals. Today, his property is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, preserving the legacy of his dedication to abolition and justice.

This home is privately owned and not open to the public.