Peter
Smith and his family came to Peterboro about 1806. In 1820 the youngest
son, Gerrit, took over his father's land dealings. As the inheritor of
Peter's wealth, Gerrit could afford to expend large sums of money on his
many "causes." Varied business enterprises, education, land
reform, religion, temperance, women's rights--all at various times benefited
from his generosity. Yet, of all his concerns, the abolition of slavery
was utmost. In the late 1830s, Peterboro became a stop on the Underground
Railroad with conductors such as Harriet Tubman guiding the fugitives.
Later, Gerrit Smith became a member of the Secret Six, who supported John
Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry.
For over fifty years, Gerrit Smith was the guiding force of Peterboro, his philanthropy extending to many aspects of life in the village. Yet, when he and his family were gone, Peterboro survived. The village today is a tribute to the current residents and others who are concerned about preserving its history.
Prepared by: Donna Burdick, Town Historian