Canisteo NY house was a station on the Underground Railroad
By: Johanna Elattar
Nestled quietly in the hills of Canisteo, New York, the McGee House stands as a testament to resilience, courage, and an undying pursuit of freedom. Built in 1797 by Colonel James McBurney, it is the oldest surviving house in Steuben County—its walls not only holding history but echoing the footsteps of those who risked everything for liberty.
But the story of the McGee House is more than that of a building. It is the story of a place that once served as a sanctuary—a station on the Underground Railroad. Here, countless men, women, and children found a fleeting moment of safety on their perilous journey to freedom in the North.
A Glimpse Into History
Picture it: A cold, moonless night in the 1850s. The wind howls through the trees, and the stars hide behind heavy clouds. The McGee House, though warm from the hearth, is shrouded in shadow. Inside, a small group gathers, huddled close in a dimly lit room. The air is thick with quiet tension, their hearts pounding as they prepare to escape.
“We move at dawn,” a low voice murmurs. The speaker—a tall, broad-shouldered man—motions for the others to follow. His breath forms in clouds as he whispers, “The river’s frozen, and the path is clear, but we must move fast. This is the last stop before freedom.”
Around him, the group stands poised, each person holding their breath in the darkness. A woman clutches her child, fear mingling with the faintest glimmer of hope. Beside her, an elderly man grips his cane tightly, undeterred by the wear of age. It’s time. They’ve made it to the Magee House, the final refuge on their journey north.
From here, they will pass through the house’s hidden tunnel—a 125-foot underground passage leading them to the nearby Canisteo River, where the promise of freedom awaits. The air is damp and cold as they make their way through the tunnel, each step a quiet defiance against the shackles that have bound them for so long.
At the river’s edge, they take one last look at the house behind them—before stepping into the unknown, toward a new life.
Preserving a Legacy
Today, the McGee House stands as a living tribute to those who passed through its doors seeking freedom. No longer just a home, it has become a museum—a place where the stories of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding desire for liberty are kept alive.
The house, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is part of the Steuben County Historical Society’s collection. Visitors can tour the house, experiencing its preserved rooms and artifacts, many of which bear witness to the people who helped shape the course of history. The hidden tunnel still exists, offering a haunting reminder of the risks taken and the hope that filled the hearts of those escaping slavery.
A Place of Reflection
The McGee House serves not only as a historical site but also as a place for reflection. It stands as a reminder that while the struggle for freedom may have been fought on distant battlefields, it was also waged in quiet acts of resistance—by ordinary people in ordinary homes who were willing to risk it all for a cause greater than themselves.
As the Steuben County Historical Society continues its work to preserve the McGee House’s legacy, visitors can step into the past, walk the path once taken by freedom seekers, and understand the depth of the sacrifices that allowed them to reach their destination. It is a journey that did not end with their escape, but one that changed the course of American history forever.
The Road Ahead
The McGee House is more than just a building. It is a living, breathing piece of history, a beacon of hope and a symbol of the enduring fight for justice. Its walls continue to tell the story of those who dared to believe that freedom was worth every risk—and its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who visit, learn, and honor its place in the fight for liberty.
About the Author: Johanna Elattar is a New York journalist and writer. Her work has been included in the 4th edition of Race & Racisms by Oxford University Press. With a focus on social justice, human rights, and historical narratives, she is dedicated to uncovering untold stories and bringing attention to the issues that matter most. If you have a story, you can contact her at Americangrrl70@gmail.com
