05/29/2026
Think your aesthetic is curated? Let’s talk about William H. Seward’s mansion on South Street.
If these walls could talk, they wouldn’t just speak—they’d name-drop. We’re talking Abraham Lincoln, global dignitaries, and a deep friendship with Harriet Tubman, all tied right here to Auburn. From the major dark academia vibes of the book-lined library to the crimson velvet of the grand parlor, every single room feels like a masterclass in history.
But the most profound space in the entire estate lies beneath the main floors. Descending the stairs brings you into a room that served as a courageous, clandestine sanctuary on the Underground Railroad. Driven heavily by Frances Seward’s fierce abolitionism, this exact brick-and-stone space was used to harbor freedom seekers risking everything on their journey north.
Seward once famously said that if he traveled the world again, he’d always prefer "localities that would be new to me." But honestly? We could wander these exact spaces every single day and still find a hidden layer of courage and history we’ve never noticed before.
Drop a 🏛️ if you’re ready to book your next weekend history walk, and tell us: what’s your favorite historic spot to explore in town?👇
