Black History Cairn

On July 31, 2004, the Black History Cairn Committee unveiled a commemorative Cairn during the 142nd Emancipation Day Celebrations at Harrison Park in Owen Sound. Located in a quiet spot near the Sydenham River, the cairn is admired for its cultural, historic and artistic qualities.

The cairn was designed to commemorate the route of African American slaves from their abduction in Africa and their subsequent escape to freedom in Canada. It is a memorial to the Black settlers of Owen Sound, the most northern terminus of the Underground Railroad.

For more information, we recommend reading Black Eyed Peas and Races, written by the creator Bonita Johnson de Matteis (available at The Ginger Press Bookshop or online.