Hundreds gathered in Westampton to honor Juneteenth and the enduring legacy of Timbuctoo, one of New Jersey’s oldest historically Black communities and a key stop on the Underground Railroad.
The rich history of Timbuctoo took center stage Saturday as the Timbuctoo Historical Society and the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County hosted their annual Juneteenth celebration in Westampton.
The event featured live music, food, storytelling, cultural vendors, and a guided historical hike through the community, offering participants an opportunity to learn about the settlement’s role in the fight for freedom and its place in American history.
Historic community founded by formerly enslaved men
Located near the north branch of the Rancocas Creek, Timbuctoo traces its origins to September 1826 when Quaker William Hilyard sold parcels of land to four African American men believed to have escaped slavery in Maryland and traveled north in search of freedom.
Over time, the settlement grew into a thriving community.
“The plaque at the end of the narrow lane running off of Rancocas Road reads: ‘We remember that Timbuctoo in Westampton, New Jersey, was an important stopping place on the Underground Railroad, helping slaves on their journey to freedom.'”
By the mid-1800s, Timbuctoo was home to approximately 135 residents and included its own school and house of worship.
Juneteenth celebration highlights local history
Organizers said this year’s celebration included an immersive 3.5-mile guided historical hike designed to help participants better understand the experiences of those seeking freedom through the Underground Railroad.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office participated in the event and praised the efforts to preserve and share the community’s history.
Visitors also explored exhibits and learned about the Underground Railroad’s impact on Burlington County and beyond.
Civil War veterans buried at historic cemetery
One of the most significant sites in Timbuctoo is the cemetery adjacent to the former Zion Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church.
While the church is no longer standing, the cemetery remains an important historical landmark.
According to organizers, several United States Colored Troops veterans who served during the Civil War are buried there.
“Eleven stone headstones survive today, but archaeological and ground radar surveys have determined that approximately 150 unmarked graves exist on the property,” organizers said.
The discovery underscores the importance of ongoing preservation efforts aimed at protecting one of New Jersey’s most significant African American historic sites.
Preserving a story of freedom
Nearly 200 years after its founding, Timbuctoo continues to serve as a powerful reminder of resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of freedom.
The annual Juneteenth celebration provides an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to connect with that history while honoring the generations who helped build and sustain the community.
Key Points
• Timbuctoo in Westampton hosted its annual Juneteenth celebration featuring music, storytelling, food, and a historical walking tour.
• The community was founded in 1826 by African American men believed to have escaped slavery and became an important Underground Railroad stop.
• Archaeological surveys have identified approximately 150 unmarked graves at the historic Timbuctoo cemetery, including burial sites connected to Civil War-era U.S. Colored Troops veterans.
