David Ruggles

Founder
New York Committee of Vigilance
Underground Railroad
About
Born, Mar 15, 1810
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An African-American abolitionist in New York who resisted slavery by his participation in a Committee of Vigilance and the Underground Railroad to help fugitive slaves reach free states. He was a printer in New York City during the 1830s, who also wrote numerous articles, and "was the prototype for black activist journalists of his time." He helped fugitive slaves to freedom and opened the first African-American bookstore.

Died, Dec 16, 1849

But after 20 years of activism, Ruggles was nearly blind and seriously ill. Many, including Frederick Douglass, came to his aid. Ruggles died in Massachusetts.

Publications
The Mirror of Liberty, Publisher
Related Tours
Black Heritage Trail New York City,David Ruggles was a leading abolitionist. He sheltered runaways (including Frederick Douglass), established the NYC Vigilance Committee, NYC's 1st Black Reading Room, an antislavery bookstore, wrote hundreds of articles, bought a printing press, and published his own pamphlets and a magazine called Mirror of Liberty (1st periodical published by a black American).
Related People
Frederick Douglass,David Ruggles claimed to have led more than 600 fugitive slaves to freedom in the North, including Frederick Douglass, who became a friend and fellow activist. 
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