Grimes Homestead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Grimes Homestead
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Location | 4 Craven Road, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey |
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Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
Built | 1979 |
NRHP reference No. | 77000900 |
Added to NRHP | April 1, 1977 |
The Grimes Homestead, also known as Grimes Farm, is a special old house in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. It's located in Morris County, New Jersey. This house was built a long time ago, in the late 1700s. It played an important role in history.
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A Safe Stop on the Underground Railroad
The Grimes Homestead was once a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. This wasn't a real railroad with trains. Instead, it was a network of secret routes and safe houses. These were used by enslaved people in the 1800s to escape to freedom. They traveled from the Southern United States to free states or Canada.
Helping People Find Freedom
The people who helped on the Underground Railroad were called "conductors." They guided freedom seekers and offered them safe places to rest. The Grimes Homestead was one of these important safe places. It gave shelter to those bravely seeking a new life away from slavery.
Dr. John Grimes: A Champion for Freedom
Dr. John Grimes (1802–1875) was a very important person connected to this house. He was born in the Grimes Homestead. Dr. Grimes was an "anti-slavery advocate," meaning he strongly believed that slavery was wrong. He was also a Quaker, a religious group known for its peaceful beliefs and commitment to equality.
Standing Up for What's Right
Dr. Grimes lived in the house until 1828. He moved back in 1832 for a short time. He later moved to a nearby town called Boonton. He was known for helping people who had escaped slavery. At one point, he was even arrested for hiding someone seeking freedom. People who supported slavery often bothered him because of his actions.
The House Today
Today, the Grimes Homestead is a privately owned house. It is not open to the public. However, it remains an important historical site. It reminds us of the brave people who fought for freedom and equality in the past.