In 1845, a fugitive slave from Maryland named Sam approached the Corbit home begging for refuge. Sam was hidden by Mary Corbit behind this tiny door in the attic of what is now referenced as the Corbit-Sharp house. There, the runaway was given food and a warm quilt. When local authorities came looking for Sam, they did not consider checking behind such a small door.
The escaped slave, Sam, was not discovered and was able to make his way, at dusk, north to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later to freedom.
Due in part to the story of Sam and the kindness of Mary Corbit, the Corbit-Sharp House and its outbuildings are now designated by the National Park Service as a stop on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.