Site of the Mott Residence

The Motts held a distinguished position within the Philadelphia abolitionist movement, with Lucretia Mott emerging as a central figure. Their residence was not merely a dwelling but a beacon of hope and sanctuary for those seeking liberation from the shackles of slavery. Lucretia's unwavering commitment to justice led the family to open their doors to fellow abolitionists, providing a space for strategic planning and collaboration in the fight against oppression.

The Motts went beyond ideological support, offering practical assistance to those in need. Their home became a refuge for escaped slaves, offering not only shelter but also medical care and sustenance. In this capacity, their residence often served as a vital link in the clandestine network of the Underground Railroad. Much like William Still's house, the Motts' home represented a crucial waypoint on the journey to freedom, where individuals could find respite and support before continuing their perilous path to liberty.

The historical significance of the Mott residence reverberates through the annals of 19th-century abolitionist and feminist movements, serving as a pivotal hub for renowned figures across various spheres of influence. Located within the city of Philadelphia, this home welcomed a plethora of esteemed guests spanning from illustrious writers to influential politicians, philosophers, doctors, and activists. Sojourner Truth, John Quincy Adams, Charles Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and William Lloyd Garrison, among numerous others, graced the Mott's doorstep, either as frequent visitors or for singular occasions. The residence bore witness to the convergence of intellects and ideologies, fostering dialogue and action in the pursuit of social justice. The Quakers were a religious group that adamantly opposed slavery. Many of the locations of the Underground Railroad were homes of Quakers. James and Lucretia Mott were part of the Quaker religion and were activists in the anti slavery movement. Lucretia Mott became very well knows as a public speaker on human rights. She is remembered as being an integral part of the abolitionist movement as well as the early days of the movement for women's suffrage. In 1866 she became the first president of the American Equal Rights Association, an organization formed to achieve equality for African Americans and women.

Moreover, the Mott residence played host to seminal gatherings of organizations dedicated to the abolition of slavery and the advancement of women's rights. Both the National and New England Anti-Slavery Societies found a home within its walls, alongside the Non-Resistant Society and the Association for the Relief and Employment of Poor Women. These meetings served as crucibles for strategic planning and collective activism, galvanizing the resolve of attendees to confront systemic injustices head-on.

One particularly poignant episode in the residence's history involves the visit of Henry 'Box' Brown, a former slave who famously liberated himself by mailing himself in a wooden crate to freedom. After his daring journey, Brown sought refuge at the Mott residence, where he received vital care and support. The Motts, renowned for their unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, assumed the roles of street doctors, culinary artisans, seamstresses, and steadfast allies to the abolitionist movement. Upon Brown's arrival, his physical ailments, compounded by the chemical burns sustained during his arduous escape, demanded urgent attention. Yet, amidst the trials of his ordeal, the sanctuary of the Mott residence provided solace, sustenance, and a glimpse of the freedoms he so valiantly pursued.

Though the physical structure of the Mott residence may have succumbed to the passage of time, its legacy endures as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who congregated within its walls. While no marker delineates its former location, the very streets upon which it once stood remain imbued with the echoes of impassioned discourse and righteous activism. A rare photo of Lucretia Mott's home is documented below. To traverse these thoroughfares is to tread upon hallowed ground, where the seeds of social change were sown and nurtured with unwavering dedication. The Mott residence stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, a reminder that ordinary individuals, united by a shared vision of equality and justice, can effect extraordinary transformation in the world.

An abstract of the Life of Lucretia Mott (friendsjournal.org)

William Still, The Underground Railroad (Philadelphia: Porter & Coates, 1872).