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

The Underground Railroad / Escaping Slavery In North Central Ohio

Historical marker location:

Vickery, Ohio

( Marker is on Ohio Turnpike (Interstate 80/90 at milepost 100), 10.5 miles west of Hayes Avenue (Ohio Route 4), on the right when traveling west.)

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 Great Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, Ohio, is a prehistoric effigy mound in the shape of a serpent that is more than 1,300 feet long. It is one of the largest effigy mounds in the world and is estimated to have been built by the Adena culture more than 1,000 years ago.

About Sandusky County

Sandusky County is located in northern Ohio and has a rich history that stretches back centuries. The area that is now Sandusky County was once home to indigenous tribes, including the Wyandot and Ottawa peoples, who lived off the land along the Sandusky River.

The first European settler in the area was Josiah Hedges, who arrived in 1812 and established a trading post near what is now Fremont. The settlement quickly grew as more pioneers moved in, attracted by the fertile soil and convenient river transportation. In 1820, the county was officially established, named after the nearby Sandusky River.

Sandusky County played an important role in the underground railroad, with several abolitionists helping escaped slaves find freedom in Canada. Fremont served as a major hub for the underground railroad, and prominent anti-slavery advocates such as John C. Fremont and Rutherford B. Hayes called the county home.

The county also has a strong agricultural tradition, with farming being a major industry since its early days. Today, Sandusky County is known for its diverse agriculture, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock. The county is also home to several industrial companies and manufacturing facilities.

Over the years, Sandusky County has seen growth and development, while still preserving its historical heritage. Today, visitors can explore the county's rich history through its museums, historical landmarks, and annual festivals that celebrate its past.

Sandusky County Timeline

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

Prehistoric times: Native American tribes inhabited the area, including the Erie, Wyandot, Ottawa, and Huron peoples.
Late 1700s: European-American settlers began moving into the region, establishing small communities.
1820: Sandusky County was officially established by the Ohio General Assembly, named after the Sandusky River.
1834: The county seat was located in Fremont, which became the largest city in the county.
1840s: The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal through the county fueled economic growth and industrial development.
1850s: Sandusky County played a key role in the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves find freedom in Canada.
1860s: Sandusky County residents actively participated in the American Civil War, with many soldiers fighting for the Union Army.
Late 1800s: Industrialization continued to expand with the rise of the railroad, leading to further economic growth.
20th century: Sandusky County became known for its agricultural production, particularly in dairy farming and crop cultivation.
1950s-1960s: The development of the Ohio Turnpike brought increased highway access, boosting tourism and commercial activity.
1980s-present: Sandusky County has focused on preserving its historical heritage and promoting tourism through various attractions and events.