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

Historical marker location:

1995 Broadway St, Stockport, Ohio

( Marker is on Broadway Street (Route 266), on the right when traveling east.)

Marker installed: 2009

/ Underground Railroad in Morgan County

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 Morgan County

Morgan County, located in southeastern Ohio, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1817. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware tribes, who lived off the land and relied heavily on the surrounding rivers and forests for food and resources. European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s, with the establishment of the first permanent settlement in present-day Morgan County around 1800.

In the early 19th century, Morgan County experienced significant growth and development. The area was known for its natural resources and fertile farmland, attracting settlers from across the country. The construction of the Muskingum River and Ohio Canal in the 1830s further stimulated the growth of the county by providing a means of transportation for goods and people. This canal system played a crucial role in the county's economy, allowing farmers and merchants to access new markets and expand their trade.

The mid-19th century brought both prosperity and hardship to Morgan County. The discovery of coal and oil in the region led to a boom in mining and drilling activities, bringing wealth and employment opportunities. However, the county also faced challenges during the Civil War, with many residents serving in the Union Army. The war not only disrupted the local economy but also left a lasting impact on the community.

In the 20th century, Morgan County continued to evolve, adapting to changes in technology and industry. The decline of coal mining and agricultural changes influenced the local economy, leading to a diversification of industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. Today, Morgan County remains a rural and scenic area, known for its natural beauty and friendly communities.

Morgan County Timeline

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

1817 - Morgan County is established on December 29.
1820 - The county seat is established in McConnelsville.
1870 - The Ohio Division of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad opens in McConnelsville.
1885 - The village of McConnelsville is incorporated as a city.
1940 - Wayne National Forest is dedicated in parts of Morgan County.
1977 - The Morgan County Historical Society is established.
1990 - A tornado hits McConnelsville, causing significant damage.
2018 - The Ohio State Highway Patrol establishes a post in Malta.