Gulf Coast park may be added to Underground Railroad network

BRADENTON, Fla. – The National Park Service is considering adding a Gulf Coast park to its list of more than 600 locations considered part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Manatee Mineral Springs Park’s historical significance may flow as far as the Bahamas, where many escaped slaves settled after first calling Bradenton and Mineral Springs their home from around 1800 to 1821.

The Bradenton Herald reports the park’s sparked great interest in the Bahamas, and a 40-person Bahamian delegation, including Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, is expected to make the trip to Bradenton soon.

The park is located in Manatee County, south of Tampa

At least 700 slaves escaped to Mineral Springs at one point, many of whom are believed to have fled Georgia, Alabama and north Florida.

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Information from: The Bradenton (Fla.) Herald , http://www.bradenton.com