by Joseph Mitlof
Recently a question arose on these pages regarding the history of the Nyack Brook. The issue was whether the brook may have been used as a geographic marker for African American slaves escaping North along the Underground Railroad. There was a suggestion that the brook was man made and not available as a marker during the years that the UGRR functioned.
With our library somewhat inaccessible it took a little extra searching to find the following. 
Two maps were reviewed, one dated 1854 and one 1859. The ‘Dripps’ map and the ‘O’Connor’ map respectively, which are on display at the Rockland County archives center. In both cases the Nyack Brook appears to be shown. The period of the 1850′s was the peak period for the UGRR.
Click on the images to the left to enlarge each map. If closer examination by younger eyes reaches a different conclusion, please let me know.
Joseph Mitlof is founder of the Historic Underground Railroad Society.
Much as we accept the oral history and traditions of say the American Indian, a certain amount of faith, I believe, is needed in our telling of the story of the UGRR. There is a general acceptance by local historians of Nyack’s Hesdra Family’s role in the largely secret, anonymous activities of the UGRR. Their home was adjacent to the Nyack Brook would seem to allow for a consideration that the brook may then have been used as a geographic marker.
Realize the plight of an individual traveling in the dark of night, desperate to find their next ‘safe house’ along a totally unknown route. Finding a specific house would be like finding the proverbial needle. A fixed geographic marker such as a brook, especially one that runs to the river, could be invaluable. Is this speculation, of course it is. As far as the Nyack Brook markers go, the hope is that, considering the paucity of African American history celebrated locally or otherwise, any inclusion of such history would be positive.
- J. Mitlof
Thanks for this- I haven’t been able yet to check out the references to find out when the diversion took place, but obviously before 1854, which would make sense. My hunch is that it was in the 1830′s.
My question still remains: is there any evidence that the Nyack brook is any more significant than any other brook in regard to the Underground Railroad? The markers say ‘brooks like these’ were used as markers- and yes I believe that. But truly, why does the Nyack Brook specifically deserve a historical marker, and not, say, the Naraushan Creek, or the Sparkill? I think it’s great to honor the Underground Railroad, but the connection to the Nyack Creek seems speculative at best, and I don’t understand all the markers.