Built in 1848, this typical Greek Revival worker's cottage is notable as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the pre-Civil War years.

Frances and Jonathan Drake are documented as having hosted Shadrach Minkins after he was successfully extracted from custody at a Boston court hearing.

This trapdoor was apparently built at the same time as the floor, and is thus an original feature created by the house builder, Jonathan Drake.

Jonathan and his wife Frances were ardent abolitionists, and their house has been documented as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Minkins was spirited out of a Boston courtroom by abolitionist activists, and was hidden at the Drake house to avoid authorities known to be hunting him in Fitchburg.