Coan River News Today

James Lindsey Smith, a man enslaved in Virginia’s Northern Neck region on the Chesapeake Bay, made his way to freedom 184 years ago — and eventually to Norwich, Connecticut. Inspired by that journey and Smith’s determination, a group of men from the Castle Hill Church in Norwich attempted to retrace his steps back.

James Lindsey Smith, a man enslaved in Virginia’s Northern Neck region on the Chesapeake Bay, made his way to freedom 184 years ago — and eventually to Norwich, Connecticut. Inspired by that journey and Smith’s determination, a group of men from the Castle Hill Church in Norwich attempted to retrace his steps back.

Inspired by the daring escape of James Lindsey Smith, a group of men retrace his route from the Northern Neck back to their home in Connecticut.

James Lindsey Smith escaped slavery on May 6, 1838, and a Norwich church group will mark the anniversary with a four-day journey from Northern Neck, Va.

James Lindsey Smith escaped slavery on May 6, 1838, and a Norwich church group will mark the anniversary with a four-day journey from Northern Neck, Va.