Members of the Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project told the Poughkeepsie Common Council on June 3 that a proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway (part of a larger multi-state route) would run along portions of Route 9 through the city and that municipalities must indicate support by a June 15 deadline for submission to the state Department of Transportation in September.

Daniel Jones, identified as a Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project member, described research showing Harriet Tubman travelled through the region, often using rail routes, and asked the council to sign on to the byway. Jones said there is no cost to towns and cities and that the main stipulation is no new billboards or “additional signage” that would change a byway’s character; historic markers at sites would remain.

The council placed a resolution on the floor authorizing the chair to sign a letter of support for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Corridor Management and, after a motion, members voted in favor. Councilmember Grama identified himself as a sponsor during the floor action; the motion carried with the council’s assent.

Jones suggested sites that would be featured on the route, including the Lancaster School on Church Street and a Congregational Church on Mill Street tied to local antislavery history. He said supporting the byway could bring heritage tourism to local businesses without requiring municipal advertising expense because the byway would be listed in national guides and online resources.

Councilmembers asked practical questions about where the byway would run and whether it would require renaming Route 9 or new wayfinding; presenters said the byway uses existing roads and online/book resources rather than installing new directional billboards. The council agreed to “walk on” and sponsor the item so the city could be included in the byway application.

The council’s action authorizes the council chair to submit a support letter on behalf of the Common Council.