Slavery was an explosive issue when Nebraska Territory was opened in 1854. Allen and Barbara Mayhew settled near what would become Nebraska City, and their home is a well-documented stop on the Underground Railroad. Through their efforts and that of Barbara’s brother, John Henri Kagi, the family left an indelible imprint on history.

Barbara Ann Kagy-Mayhew Barbara Ann Kagy-Mayhew John Henri Kagi John Henri Kagi

Until it was opened to the public in 1938, the Mayhew’s cabin was nearly always used as a family home. Today, you can walk through the furnished cabin to see how the Mayhew’s lived and then travel down to the cellar and walk through the tunnel to better understand what the remarkable flight from slavery would have entailed.

Mayhew Cabin Interior Mayhew Cabin Interior Cabin cellar Cabin cellar Cave and tunnel Cave and tunnel