William Camp Gildersleeve Historical Marker

This marker in excellent condition is located in front of the Wilkes-​Barre fire department headquarters and remembers a prominent local citizen. It reads:
«William Camp Gildersleeve (1795 – 1871). Prominent merchant and ardent abolitionist significant to the Underground Railroad in Wilkes-​Barre. He provided refuge to fugitive slaves at his home and business near here. In 1853, Gildersleeve testified in a US Supreme Court Case, Maxwell vs Righter, in which a fugitive, William Thomas, was shot and wounded by U.S. marshals. The case and his testimony received national attention, especially in African American newspapers.»
Gildersleeve Street is the one-​way street to the right of the fire department.