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

Zanesville Underground Railroad

Historical marker location:

Zanesville, Ohio

( Marker is on Muskingum Avenue west of Putnam Avenue (Ohio Route 93), on the right when traveling west.)

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 has a rich tradition of aviation history, with several famous aviators hailing from the state. In addition to the Wright brothers, who invented the airplane, other notable Ohio aviators include Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, and Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world.

About Muskingum County

Muskingum County, Ohio, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware people. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, with the establishment of Marietta as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory in 1788. Muskingum County was officially created on March 1, 1804, and named after the Muskingum River which flows through the area.

During the early years of Muskingum County's history, agriculture played a vital role in its economy. The fertile soil along the river attracted many farmers who grew crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s further boosted economic development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and opening new opportunities for trade. This expansion also brought about the growth of small towns and villages in Muskingum County.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of natural gas and oil in the area led to significant industrial development. Several oil and gas companies were established, leading to a boom in the local economy. This period saw the growth of Zanesville, the county seat, as an industrial center, with factories and mills contributing to its prosperity.

Today, Muskingum County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community. It is home to a range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The county also boasts beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Muskingum University, located in New Concord, adds to the cultural and educational fabric of the county. Overall, Muskingum County's history is a testament to the resilience and growth of a community that has evolved from its agricultural beginnings to a thriving region in central Ohio.

Muskingum County Timeline

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

1804 - Muskingum County is officially established.
1805 - Zanesville becomes the county seat.
1810 - The first bridge in Ohio is built over the Muskingum River in Zanesville.
1827 - The National Road reaches Zanesville, spurring economic growth.
1843 - Zanesville becomes a hub for the pottery industry.
1863 - The "Y-Bridge" in Zanesville, a unique three-way bridge, is completed.
1902 - The Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention and Visitors Bureau is established.
1960s - The construction of Interstate 70 brings more visitors to Muskingum County.
2000s - Muskingum University, founded in 1837, continues to be a prominent educational institution.