The Home of John Hossack

Historical marker location:

210 W Prospect Ave, Ottawa, Illinois

( Marker is at the intersection of West Prospect Avenue and Christie Street, on the right when traveling west on West Prospect Avenue.)

Marker installed: 1967

The state of Illinois played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Many abolitionists in Illinois provided safe houses for escaping slaves, and Chicago was a key hub on the Underground Railroad.