On Friday, August 12, 2022, at 10:00 am, at the Goodridge Freedom Center & Underground Railroad Museum, located at 123 E. Philadelphia Street in Downtown York, PA unveiled a life-sized statue outside the entrance of the museum. The statue, which has been designed by nationally known sculptor, Gary Casteel, is the first African-American statue in York, PA.
Although born enslaved, William C. Goodridge became free at a very young age and moved to York, Pennsylvania, where he went on to find great success as an entrepreneur. He was one of the most recognized African American citizens in York during the 1800s, and yet, he risked everything – life and fortune – to assist freedom seekers. Goodridge used his personal and commercial properties as stations on the Underground Railroad and his railroad cars to move fugitives along to Philadelphia.