The Underground Railroad is operated as a pivotal system of escape during the harsh realities of the Civil War, and has made an indelible mark on our nation’s history. There are multiple “stops” that are publicized across the nation, many more closer to the eastern seaboard than here in Tennessee. There are two historic Underground Railroad stops here in the Volunteer State, and you can find them both on the western side of the state. Have you heard of these stories?

Burkle Estate

Burkle Estate - Wikipedia The Burkle Estate in Memphis has a bit of a spotted past, as there are some historians who dispute its operation as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Memphis CVB - Flickr The home was built in 1849 by Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant who made a living as both a baker and a stockyard owner. Though there was a series of Memphis homes that operated on the railroad, some believe it was the Burkle Estate itself that stood as the last stop.

Jim Forest - Flickr The home has a small cellar that may have been used before the escaping slaves were taken upriver to the free northern states up the Ohio River. The estate is now owned by the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and has been since 1997.

Hunt-Phelan House

Hunt-Phelan House Weddings and Events - Facebook The Hunt-Phelan House is now better known as a local wedding and event venue, although it does have a reputation as a Memphis stop on the Underground Railroad.

Hunt-Phelan House Weddings and Events - Facebook There’s not a lot of information on how it was run during the mid-1800s, but the Memphis mansion has been honored as one of the many homes in the city that helped smuggle slaves from one end of the country to the next.

Hunt-Phelan House Weddings and Events - Facebook It may be hidden in history now, but the Hunt-Phelan House has a solid stake in Tennessee history.

You can continue to explore Tennessee with a look at these fascinating photos from the early 1900s – they’re pretty amazing.

Burkle Estate - Wikipedia

The Burkle Estate in Memphis has a bit of a spotted past, as there are some historians who dispute its operation as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Memphis CVB - Flickr

The home was built in 1849 by Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant who made a living as both a baker and a stockyard owner. Though there was a series of Memphis homes that operated on the railroad, some believe it was the Burkle Estate itself that stood as the last stop.

Jim Forest - Flickr

The home has a small cellar that may have been used before the escaping slaves were taken upriver to the free northern states up the Ohio River. The estate is now owned by the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and has been since 1997.

Hunt-Phelan House Weddings and Events - Facebook

The Hunt-Phelan House is now better known as a local wedding and event venue, although it does have a reputation as a Memphis stop on the Underground Railroad.

There’s not a lot of information on how it was run during the mid-1800s, but the Memphis mansion has been honored as one of the many homes in the city that helped smuggle slaves from one end of the country to the next.

It may be hidden in history now, but the Hunt-Phelan House has a solid stake in Tennessee history.

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