Binghamton University is celebrating legendary abolitionist Harriet Tubman with the opening of the Downtown Binghamton Freedom Trail. The trail highlights Binghamton’s role in the Underground Railroad, as well as key abolitionist meeting places.

Harriet Tubman Day is March 10, the anniversary of her death. To celebrate her legacy, the Harriet Tubman Center at Binghamton University unveiled the new Downtown Binghamton Freedom Trail.

“This has been in the works for at least two years,” said Anne Bailey, director of the Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity.

It comes almost a year to the day after the first marker was revealed. Now, the 13-stop walking trail is available for people to explore and learn about Binghamton’s connection to the Underground Railroad.

“In each stop, there’s something for them to learn more about," Bailey said. "So, it’s not just the name. We’ve chosen very carefully the wording on every marker, so there are things they can investigate.”

The two-mile trail honors several icons, including Martin Luther King Jr., and Dr. Stephen Hand, a Binghamton doctor who helped escaped slaves find homes in the city.

The first stop of the trail isn’t finished yet, but the design of a new Harriet Tubman statue has been revealed.

“The one word for us was inspire. That’s what we said to our artist. That’s the word. That’s your key word,” Bailey said.

People walking the trail as Tubman's statue was unveiled included a group of fifth graders. It's part of educating and inspiring the next generation.

“I think it’s important that the kids see themselves in history; and to walk the footsteps of many revolutionaries that came before them and to see that they’re important and they themselves are revolutionaries,” said Jenna Fitzgerald, fifth-grade teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School.

River VanDuyne, a fifth-grader at Woodrow Wilson, participated in the day.

“Harriet Tubman was a savior, I’ll never forget that. People, slaves in other countries should not be treated this way,” VanDuyne said.

For those thinking of visiting, Bailey said, “We hope you’ll come back and be inspired.”