WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced a U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) grant for $195,480 to restore a historic slave cabin as the William Still Family Facility.  Located on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, the project would open the former slave cabin to the public in time for the 100-year commemoration of the death of Harriet Tubman in 2013. 

“Harriet Tubman is a true American hero and icon,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee.  “This grant and the Byways program will help link Americans to their history — both geographically and culturally.  I’m proud that visitors will be able to come to Maryland to enjoy our state’s natural beauty, while also learning about our nation’s history.”

“Harriet Tubman was a courageous fighter who delivered scores of slaves to freedom in the Underground Railroad,” Senator Mikulski said. “She was tireless in her commitment to fight for those who could not fight for themselves. I am proud that these federal dollars will restore and preserve this piece of Maryland’s history for future generations.”

The facility is located on Legion Road at the 4-H Park, which is off Rt. 16, between Preston and Denton, Maryland. The funds will be administered through the National Scenic Byways Program, which provides funding to implement projects along highways designated as relevant to national identity. This grant will go towards protecting and the historical, cultural, and environmental richness of the Tubman Trail as it passes through Dorchester and Caroline counties.

Senators Cardin and Mikulski, along with U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand (both D-NY) have introduced The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park Act, S. 247.  The bill would establish two National Historic Parks, one in Maryland and one in New York, to honor Harriet Tubman.