“Odyssey of the Amistad: A Trail to Freedom” Walking Tour

Following the opening presentation, guides lead a walking tour tracing the footsteps of the Mende through historic Farmington. In 1841, Farmington was home to the African Mende captives who had rebelled and overtaken the slave ship La Amistad. Take a guided tour of sites in town which are part of their story and Connecticut’s Underground Railroad. Learn about the courageous individuals who fought for freedom in our community! The 53 captives of La Amistad, mostly Mende from what is now Sierra Leone, were being shipped to Cuba to work on plantations. While at sea, they rebelled and the 44 survivors sailed the ship ending up in Long Island, New York. They were then taken into custody aboard the USS Washington, sent to New Haven and jailed to start trials in Hartford and later in Washington, D.C. The trials lasted 18 months. In February 1841, their case was argued by former President John Quincy Adams before the U.S. Supreme Court. On March 9, 1841, the decision was made declaring the Africans to be free people with permission to return to their homeland. Nine days later, they arrived in Farmington where abolitionists provided housing, schooling, and the fundraising necessary for the Mende passage back to their homeland. The lecture and tour will be led by Connecticut storyteller Andre LePelle Keitt. Mr. Keitt serves as Consultant for Education and Programming for the Farmington Historical Society. The walking tour will also feature other sites in Farmington village which are part of Connecticut’s Freedom Trail and the Underground Railroad. The event takes place rain or shine. If the walking portion of the tour is not possible due to extreme weather, the event will continue in the church with a special presentation.