Christiana was one of the main crossroads on the Underground Railroad for those seeking freedom in Canada and other points north. The Federal Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 allowed slave owners to retrieve escaped slaves in any state, whether they had abolished slavery or not. The Christiana Resistance took place September 11 1851. This was a result of the "Gap Gang" who looked for escaped slaves, recognizing new faces at the farm of William Parker. William Parker was known to help escaped slaves and had established an organization to assist all those who desired freedom. The two slaves recognized had escaped from Ann Arundel MD from the Gorsuch Farm. The gang alerted Edward Gorsuch of their location. On September 11 1851 they came to William Parker's home to take the slaves back. Edward Gorsuch was killed and his son Dickenson was mortally wounded. Thirty eight people, including William Parker, were incarcerated at Zercher's Hotel to be tried for treason for participating in the Christiana Resistance. Also on the day of the Resistance, Edward and Dickinson wounds were cared for at Zercher's Hotel. The Christiana Resistance was considered the spark that ignited the Civil War since the trial for treason was widely publicized. There are summer open houses and each year the annual celebration of the Resistance takes place the closest weekend to September 11. You can visit the Museum for a self guided tour or arrange for a guided tour. Individuals, families, schools, churches and tours groups are frequent visitors. The Bond family who owns the building, The Christiana Historical Society, The National Park Service, The U.S. Department of Interior's Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program support the facility; the museum is free of charge and we do accept donations. The museum is not always available; it is recommended that you telephone us in advance to secure access to the facility. Because of this we have initiated Open House days over the summer months where a guided tour is readily available. Please check this website for dates http://www.discoverlancaster.com and search for Christiana Underground Railroad Center at Historic Zercher's Hotel.

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