Robert E. Wurtsbaugh

Historical marker location:

Danville, Illinois

( Memorial is on West Ellsworth Street south of Oakwood Avenue, on the left when traveling south.)

Marker installed: 1989

1930 - - 1950.

The state of Illinois played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Many abolitionists in Illinois provided safe houses for escaping slaves, and Chicago was a key hub on the Underground Railroad.