The National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom has announced that Vale Cemetery will be included in its historic itinerary.
Vale is the resting place of Moses Viney, a runaway slave from Maryland who became Union College President Eliphalet Nott’s chauffeur and confidant.
Upon Nott’s death, Viney received a bequest from Nott that enabled him to establish a livery business and subsequently became a highly respected businessman in the community.
In addition to Viney, Richard P.G. Wright, a documented Underground Railroad agent, is also interred in Vale as are abolitionists, Rev. Isaac Groot Duryea, John Wendell, and Francis Dana.
Erica Fugger, a Union College student intern, researched Vale Cemetery’s application to the National Park Service.
Inclusion on the Park Services’ list of recognized sites is expected to increase tourist and Underground Railroad scholars’ visits to Vale and should enhance Vale’s chances of qualifying for future historical grants.