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

Underground Railroad Station

Historical marker location:

5271 County Road 28, West Liberty, Ohio, West Liberty, Ohio

( Marker is on County Route 28, 1 mile south of US 33.)

Marker installed: 1949

The Pickrell Mansion. The Quakers of Monroe Twp., Logan County, Ohio

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 was the site of a major oil boom in the late 19th century, with oil wells producing millions of barrels of oil per year. The town of Lima, Ohio, became known as the "little giant of the oil industry" because of the large number of oil companies headquartered there.

About Logan County

Located in the state of Ohio, Logan County has a rich and diverse history that spans back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Wyandot. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, establishing small villages. Logan County was officially created in 1818 and named after Benjamin Logan, a pioneer and Revolutionary War officer.

During the early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy. Farms flourished, and the canal system, particularly the Miami and Erie Canal, brought increased commerce and trade to the area. In the mid-19th century, the presence of railroads further facilitated transportation and led to the growth of Logan County's towns and industries. The county became known for its production of grain, livestock, and dairy products.

Logan County was not immune to the impacts of major historical events. The Civil War era saw many of its residents join the Union forces, and the county was actively involved in supporting the war effort. The development of manufacturing and industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought both prosperity and challenges. The county experienced economic fluctuations, but agriculture and manufacturing remained important pillars of its economy.

In more recent years, Logan County has embraced diversification and economic development. Efforts have been made to attract new industries, including automotive manufacturing and logistics. The county also values its natural resources, with several parks and recreational areas, such as Indian Lake State Park, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Today, Logan County continues to grow and evolve, driven by a combination of agricultural heritage, industrial development, and a commitment to preserving its history for future generations.

Logan County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Logan County, Ohio.

1818: Logan County is established and named after Benjamin Logan, a prominent early settler and Revolutionary War officer.
1829: The Hi-Point Career Center, a vocational school, is founded in Bellefontaine.
1840: The first railroad, the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad, reaches Bellefontaine.
1877: The Bellefontaine Industrial School (now the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center) is established.
1895: West Liberty hosts the first automobile race in Ohio.
1950: The Indian Lake Reservoir is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and tourists.
1953: The Ohio Caverns, a popular tourist attraction, opens to the public.
1963: The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center is established in Bellefontaine.
2008: The Mad River Mountain ski resort celebrates its 50th anniversary.