The Historical Legacy of the Ton Farm
Located at 557 E 134th Place in Chicago, the Ton Farm holds a powerful place in American history as a documented stop on the Underground Railroad. This site served as a beacon of hope and a safe haven for enslaved individuals escaping the brutal conditions of the South in pursuit of freedom in the North.
During the 19th century, the Ton Farm was owned by Stephen A. Ton, a staunch abolitionist who bravely offered shelter, food, and guidance to freedom seekers. At great personal risk, the Ton family played a critical role in the Underground Railroad network, which relied on the courage of ordinary citizens committed to human rights and justice.
Though much of the original farm no longer stands, the site remains a deeply significant piece of Chicago’s—and the nation’s—hidden history. It is a testament to the resilience and bravery of those who fled bondage and those who aided them, often in defiance of the law and at great personal cost.
Today, efforts continue to recognize and preserve the memory of the Ton Farm as part of the broader story of African American resistance and the long fight for freedom and equality.
