Some journeys are not measured by miles traveled but by their profound significance. This past weekend, for the occasion of Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, my mom, daughter, and I visited an Underground Railroad memorial tucked away in an unexpected location—the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant in Maywood, Chicago.
A Symbolic Location
The Lake Street McDonald’s in Maywood may seem like an ordinary fast-food chain, but right outside of its parking lot lies a powerful tribute to the Underground Railroad which I found on Atlas Obscura a few years back.
After taking note of this, I immediately added it to my 100 Life Goals as Ancestry Toursim and waited for just the right time to visit.
The memorial is a repurposed train track split in two, acting as a visual representation of the journey to freedom and reminding us that acts of bravery and resilience can emerge from the unlikeliest places.
What better way to spend the weekend leading up to Juneteenth?
A Testament to Freedom
At the heart of the memorial, between the divided tracks, stands a plaque paying homage to the tireless efforts of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. The plaque’s inscription recognizes their monumental role in enabling “the escape from the chains of slavery.”
Adjacent to the plaque, a pair of broken shackles serves as a poignant symbol of liberation, reminding us of the strength and determination of those who fought for freedom against unimaginable odds.
Read more about our ancestry tourism on the blog.
Unearthing Hidden History
Visiting this humble memorial reminded us of the importance of unearthing and preserving lesser-known stories from our nation’s history. The Underground Railroad played a vital role in facilitating the escape of countless enslaved individuals seeking liberation.
It served as a network of brave individuals, abolitionists, and safe havens that symbolized hope, unity, and the unyielding spirit of humanity. By recognizing this memorial, we honor the resilience and unwavering determination of those who fought against oppression.
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Commemorating Juneteenth
Our visit to the Underground Railroad memorial on the weekend leading to Juneteenth added an additional layer of significance to our experience. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
It is a day of reflection, celebration, and a reminder of the continued struggle for equality.
Being able to stand before this memorial on such a momentous day brought forth a profound sense of connection to the past and a renewed commitment to advocating for a more just and equitable future.
Final Thoughts
As we left the McDonald’s parking lot in Maywood, our hearts were filled with a profound appreciation for the significance of the Underground Railroad memorial. This unassuming location holds a story of resilience, freedom, and the pursuit of justice.
Our visit reminded us that the fight for equality continues, and we must honor and remember the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us. May this memorial serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to create a world where the chains of oppression are forever broken, and all individuals can experience the true meaning of freedom.
Feel free to check out my Instagram reel for the rest of our Juneteenth festivities.
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