What Is the Nathan and Polly Johnson House?
This abolitionist house on the Underground Railroad was where Frederick Douglass became Frederick Douglass!
What Makes It Historical?
Nathan and Mary (Polly) Johnson were a real power couple in New Bedford, Black entrepreneurs who co-owned a shop, confectionery, and catering business! They bought this Federal/Greek Revival home in 1830 and put it to good use right away, joining the Underground Railroad network! For obvious reasons, there isn’t a definite count of how many folks stayed with the Johnsons while escaping slavery, but one such fellow, Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey found his stay here to be life changing!
He had arrived here in September of 1838, disguised and funded by Anna Murray, who would soon become his wife! Their first married name was Johnson, but after being taken in by the future president of the National Convention of Colored People, the Johnsons needed a more distinct name! Mr. Nate Johnson suggested that the Baileys take on something more regal, in the vein of Lord Douglas from Sir Walter Scott’s “Lady of the Lake!” During their three years in New Bedford, the newly shaped Mr. Douglass became a licensed preacher, which sharpened his oration skills and launched his famous career as an abolitionist and suffragist!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the New Bedford Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
21 Seventh Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The Nathan and Polly Johnson House is open by appointment only, so contact the New Bedford Historical Society to book a tour!
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