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

Kent and the Underground Railroad

Historical marker location:

152 Franklin Ave, Kent, Ohio

( Marker is on Franklin Avenue south of West Main Street, on the right when traveling south.)

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.

The city of Akron, Ohio, was once known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" because of its thriving rubber industry. Companies like Goodyear, Firestone, and General Tire all had headquarters in Akron at one point.

About Portage County

Portage County is located in northeastern Ohio and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Ottawa, and Wyandot, who relied on the abundant natural resources for their livelihoods.

The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the area that would become Portage County was established in 1807. The county was named after the ancient Indian portage path that crossed the region, connecting the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas rivers. The portage path played a significant role in the development of the region, as it provided a route for fur traders and settlers to transport goods and travel between Lake Erie and the Ohio River.

In the early 19th century, Portage County experienced rapid growth and development. With the construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1820s, the county became a vital transportation hub, facilitating the movement of goods and people between the Great Lakes and the Ohio River. The canal brought increased trade and commerce to the region, leading to the establishment of towns and industries along its route.

During the mid-19th century, Portage County saw significant advancements in education and abolitionist movements. The county became known for its thriving educational institutions, such as Hiram College and the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (present-day Kent State University). These institutions attracted students and scholars from all over, contributing to the intellectual and cultural development of the county.

In the 20th century, Portage County continued to evolve, particularly with the expansion of Kent State University. The university grew in size and prominence, becoming a significant educational and research institution. However, the county also experienced a tragic event in 1970 when four students were killed and nine injured during a Vietnam War protest on the Kent State University campus.

Today, Portage County is a vibrant and diverse community that embraces its history while looking towards the future. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the Portage County Ravenna Arsenal Park and Nelson Ledges State Park, which attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the region. Additionally, the county remains an educational hub, with Kent State University continuing to play a crucial role in the county's economy and cultural landscape.

Portage County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Portage County, Ohio.

1805 - Portage County is established and named after the Portage path, an important Native American trail in the area.
1808 - Kent, the first city in Portage County, is founded.
1837 - Hiram College is established, becoming the oldest college in the county.
1851 - The Atlantic and Great Western Railroad is completed, connecting Portage County to national transportation networks.
1862 - The Kent State Normal School is established, later becoming Kent State University.
1934 - The Kent State University Airport (now Kent State University Airport and Research Park) is established.
1970 - The Kent State shooting occurs during a Vietnam War protest, resulting in the deaths of four students.
1996 - The Portage County District Library is formed, merging several local libraries into one.
2009 - The Center for Science and Technology at Kent State University is completed, becoming an iconic addition to the campus.