The lower part of King Street terminates at the Roanoke River and has been designated by the National Park Service as part of the Underground Railroad Network for freedom seekers. Wayside signage along the roadbed interpret the stories of the African Americans to crossed the river on their trip northward toward freedom. Historically, warehouses for storing goods and a ferry were located at the Halifax riverfront. Further up the river, toward Dobbs Street, the Ram Albemarle was iron-clad during the Civil War conflict by a local, free, African American blacksmith.

Sources: Halifax Underground Railroad Trail, The Old Town of Halifax Historical Marker, Halifax Underground Railroad