The Underground Railroad - First Congregational Church of Detroit

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Welcome to Burlington, IA

We are a congregation of approximately 250 members located in Burlington, IA on the Mississippi River. We are one of the six original downtown churches this in community of 27,000. Gathered in 1838, we are the second oldest Congregational church west of the Mississippi River.

William Salter

William Salter, minister of the First Congregational Church of Burlington, IA for 64 years, was a member of the "Iowa Board", a group of young ministers from Andover Theological Seminary who came to Iowa, "each to found a church and together a college." (which became Grinnell College)

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Rev. Salter

It is known that the Rev. Salter hid fugitive slaves in the hayloft of the barn at his home after the Fugitive Slave Act was enacted in April, 1850. In a serman entitled "Forty Years Ministry" delivered on April 4th, 1886, Salter revealed his deep feelings towards the issue of slavery.

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You are now on Route 3: Midwest

If you travel route 3 from Iowa through Wisconsin to Canada, it’s over 1000 miles, and takes about 1 year—. Click on one of the routes below to continue your flight to freedom!

The First Congregational Church of Detroit is a member of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, a voluntary membership of free churches supporting each other in Faith, Freedom, and Fellowship.

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