George Thomas Downing
cnow-logo
culture now

George Thomas Downing

  • Restauranteur,
  • Activist

About
Show more

An abolitionist and activist for African-American civil rights while building a successful career as a restaurateur in New York City; Newport, Rhode Island; and Washington, DC. His father had been an oyster seller and caterer in Philadelphia and New York City, building a business that attracted wealthy white clients. From the 1830s until the end of slavery, Downing was active in the Underground Railroad, using his restaurant as a rest station for refugees on the move.

Born, Dec 30, 1819
Died, July 21, 1903
Loading...
Loading...

About Us
  • Mission
  • Statistics
  • Collaborate with us
  • Press
  • Publications
  • Awards
  • Contact Us
Sites
  • Art
  • Architecture
  • Urban Projects
  • Historic Sites
  • Recent Sites
  • Unbuilt Projects
Resources
  • FAQ
  • Tutorials
  • Handbook
  • Pricing/Membership
  • Phone App
DIY
  • Make your own Tour
  • Add a site
  • Add an event
  • Add a Person
Tours
  • Self Guided Tours
  • Places in Time/Historic Sites
  • Podcasts/Audio Guide
Events
  • Upcoming Programs
  • Past Programs
Sign up for Archive Weekly, a roundup of NYC history facts.

Inc. © 2023

Privacy Policy
cultureNow, MuseumWithoutWalls, 37-24, 24th St, Long Island City, NY 11101 USA
Contact Us:
info@culturenow.org