Pekin, New York facts for kids
Pekin is a small community known as a hamlet in New York State. It is located in Niagara County, within the towns of Cambria and Lewiston. Pekin has a special place in history. It was an important stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. Pekin is also known as the birthplace of the Free Methodist Church, USA.
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What is a Hamlet?
In New York, a hamlet is a small community. It is usually part of a larger town. Hamlets do not have their own local government. Instead, they are governed by the town they are in. Pekin is unique because it is split between two towns. These are Cambria and Lewiston.
Pekin's Role in the Underground Railroad
A Path to Freedom
The Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad. It was a secret network of safe houses and routes. These routes helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. They traveled from the Southern United States to the North or to Canada. This happened before the American Civil War.
Pekin as a Safe Stop
Pekin was an important stop on this secret path. Its location in Niagara County was key. It was close to the Niagara River. This river was a gateway to Canada. Canada was a place where many enslaved people found freedom. Local residents in Pekin helped these brave individuals. They offered them safe places to rest and hide. They also helped them continue their journey to freedom.
Birthplace of the Free Methodist Church
A New Kind of Church
Pekin is also famous as the birthplace of the Free Methodist Church. This church was founded in 1860. It was started by a group of people who wanted a different kind of church. They believed in freedom and equality for all.
Key Beliefs and Actions
The founders of the Free Methodist Church had strong beliefs. They were against slavery. They also believed that everyone should be treated equally. This included women and people of all races. The church was "free" in several ways. It was free from slavery. It was also free from pew rents. This meant that everyone, rich or poor, could attend services. This made the church welcoming to many people.
