Cynthia Hesdra’s life is a compelling blend of personal perseverance, business success, and significant involvement in the abolitionist movement, particularly through her participation in the Underground Railroad.

Born in 1808 in Tappan, NY, to John and Jane Moore, Cynthia came from a wealthy family, though much is unclear about her mother’s background. While some sources suggest Cynthia was born into slavery, her father’s wealth raises doubts about this claim. After marrying Edward D. Hesdra, a mixed-race man with a complex family history, Cynthia and her husband bought her freedom and moved to New York City.

Cynthia became a successful entrepreneur, running a profitable laundry business and accumulating several properties in both New York City and Nyack, NY. In Nyack, her home at 294 Main Street served as a safe house for the Underground Railroad, offering shelter to runaway slaves on their way to Canada. The house had key features, like a hidden entrance and a trap door in the cellar, making it an ideal refuge for escaping slaves. Local historian Dr. Frank Green and other historical accounts confirm her active role in assisting fugitive slaves, connecting agents from Jersey City and Newburgh to her Nyack home.

Despite her success, Cynthia’s death in 1879 led to a legal battle over her estate. Without a will, numerous falsified claims surfaced, including from her husband and alleged relatives. The case became a landmark for the new legal procedure in New York to handle signature disputes.

While Cynthia’s wealth and later estate struggles are well-documented, her significant contributions to the Underground Railroad and her legacy as a businesswoman and advocate for freedom remain an important part of history. The historical marker in Nyack stands as a reminder of her role in helping others seek liberty during a pivotal time in American history.