This long overdue historical marker does not fully capture the significance of William Still's story. He was one of the two or three most important figures in the history of the Underground Railroad. During the 1850s, he served as the principal field organizer and record-keeper of the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee, a group that helped about 100 slaves escape to freedom each year. This historical marker reads, "While living here, he was an Underground Railroad agent who helped slaves escape and kept records so relatives could find them later. A wealthy coal merchant, Still also helped found the first Black YMCA."