What was the Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes, safe houses, and individuals who aided enslaved African Americans in escaping from the southern United States to free states and Canada during the 19th century.

When did the Underground Railroad operate?

The Underground Railroad operated primarily from the late 18th century to the Civil War era, reaching its peak between 1830 and 1860.

Who were the key people involved in the Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad involved a network of diverse individuals, including escaped slaves, free African Americans, white abolitionists, Quakers, and other sympathetic individuals who risked their lives to help enslaved people escape to freedom. Harriet Tubman is one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad.

How did the Underground Railroad work?

The Underground Railroad worked through a system of `stations` or safe houses where escaping slaves could find food, shelter, and assistance along their journey to freedom. Conductors, like Harriet Tubman, guided them from one station to another, using secret routes and codes to avoid capture.

Were there actual trains involved in the Underground Railroad?

No, the term `Underground Railroad` is a metaphorical one. It does not refer to an actual railroad system or trains but rather to the covert network of routes, safe houses, and assistance used to aid enslaved individuals in their escape.

Where did the Underground Railroad lead to?

The Underground Railroad had routes that led from the southern slave states, such as Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky, to the northern free states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. Some routes extended to Canada, where slavery was abolished.

How many slaves escaped through the Underground Railroad?

The exact number of enslaved individuals who escaped through the Underground Railroad is difficult to determine, as records were often kept secret to protect those involved. Estimates range from tens of thousands to possibly hundreds of thousands.

What were the dangers of using the Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad was a perilous journey for both the escaping slaves and those assisting them. Escaped slaves faced the risk of capture, physical harm, and separation from their families if caught. Those helping them faced legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, if discovered.

Did the Underground Railroad contribute to the abolition of slavery?

While the Underground Railroad did not directly lead to the abolition of slavery, it played a crucial role in raising awareness about the cruelty and injustice of slavery. The stories of successful escapes and the bravery of those involved helped to fuel the abolitionist movement and promote the idea of emancipation.

Is there a physical Underground Railroad museum or site to visit?

Yes, there are several museums and historical sites dedicated to preserving the history of the Underground Railroad. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, Maryland, are notable examples.

Historical Marker

Mount Pleasant Historic Underground Railroad District

Historical marker location:

328 Union Street, Mount Pleasant, Ohio

( Marker is at the intersection of Ohio Route 647 and Concord Street, on the right when traveling east on State Route 647.)

Historic Underground Railroad Site

A brief timeline of the Underground Railroad

Late 18th century: The Underground Railroad begins to emerge as a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans seeking freedom in the northern states or Canada.
1793: The Fugitive Slave Act is passed in the United States, which allows slaveholders to pursue escaped slaves even in free states. This leads to an increase in the number of fugitive slaves seeking refuge through the Underground Railroad.
1810s-1830s: The Underground Railroad grows in prominence and expands its reach. Conductors, individuals who guided fugitive slaves on their journeys, play a vital role in organizing and aiding escape routes.
1831: The publication of "The Liberator," an abolitionist newspaper edited by William Lloyd Garrison, further brings attention to the cause of abolishing slavery and helps to increase support for the Underground Railroad.
1850: The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 is passed, strengthening the legal rights of slaveholders and intensifying efforts to capture and return escaped slaves. This leads to increased activity on the Underground Railroad as a response.
1852: Harriet Beecher Stowe publishes the novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which exposes the cruelty of slavery and becomes a powerful catalyst for anti-slavery sentiment in the North and beyond.
1857: The Dred Scott Supreme Court decision rules that enslaved African Americans are not entitled to freedom, regardless of whether they are living in free or slave states. This further fuels the urgency and importance of the Underground Railroad as a means of escape.
1861-1865: The American Civil War takes place, providing a significant opportunity for enslaved individuals to escape to Union lines or areas where slavery has been abolished.
Late 1860s: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, formally abolishing slavery and marking the end of the Underground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad was a clandestine network that operated over several decades, and its history is marked by countless acts of bravery and defiance against the institution of slavery. While this timeline provides a glimpse into its development, it is important to recognize the ongoing efforts of countless individuals who risked their lives to help others attain freedom.

Ohio played a key role in the development of the modern steel industry. Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, started his career in the steel industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his first major investment was in a steel mill in Braddock, Ohio.

About Jefferson County

Jefferson County, OH, located in the eastern portion of the state, has a rich and storied history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mingo and Delaware tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, attracted to the region's fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In the early 19th century, Jefferson County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the coal mining industry. The discovery of large coal deposits and the construction of the Ohio River and Erie Canal enhanced transportation and trade, leading to a rapid increase in population and economic development. Steubenville, the county seat, became a thriving center for industry and commerce during this time.

Jefferson County played a significant role in the development of the steel industry in the United States. The presence of high-quality coal and iron deposits in the county made it an ideal location for steel production. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, numerous steel mills were established, attracting an influx of immigrants to the area. The steel industry was a major contributor to the county's prosperity, providing jobs and fueling economic growth.

Over time, Jefferson County faced economic challenges as the steel industry declined. The closure of the steel mills in the late 20th century led to job losses and a decline in population. However, the county has made efforts to diversify its economy and attract new industries. Today, Jefferson County is known for its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and providing a range of outdoor activities to locals.

Jefferson County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jefferson County, Ohio.

1786: Jefferson County is established by the Northwest Ordinance
1797: Steubenville, the county seat, is founded
1803: Ohio becomes a state
1812: Jefferson County's population reaches 1,431
1817: The Steubenville and Indiana Railroad is incorporated
1825: The Ohio and Pennsylvania Canal opens in Jefferson County
1861-1865: Jefferson County contributes soldiers to the Union Army during the Civil War
1877: The Steubenville Gas Company is founded
1902: The Carnegie Library of Steubenville is built
1937: The Steubenville Steel Company is formed
1956: Jefferson County's population peaks at 93,929
1990: The Jefferson County Historical Association is founded