Hart Porter House and Outbuilding

Hart Porter built this home between 1840 and 1845. According to oral tradition, the outbuilding was used as a hiding place for fugitives escaping on the Underground Railroad. There is a full basement in the small building that is accessible only through a trap door. Although Manchester is not generally recognized as being on an Underground Railroad route, there is some evidence of abolitionist activity. The Methodist Church hosted anti-slavery meetings and the pastor often preached abolitionist messages. Frederick Douglass spoke in the church at an anti-slavery convention in 1843. Porter was married in the church by an abolitionist pastor, which could indicate abolitionist sentiments. This home is privately owned and not open to the public.