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 Station

Historical marker location:

Bloomingdale, Indiana

( Marker is on U.S. 41, 0.1 miles County Road 500N, on the left when traveling north.)

Marker installed: 1926

1850 1868. Alfred & Rhoda Hadley

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Indiana.

The first successful experimental farm in the United States was established in Indiana in 1862. Known as the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station, it paved the way for modern agricultural practices.

About Parke County

Parke County, Indiana, located in the western part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Miami, Delaware, and Potawatomi peoples. European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, establishing small towns and farms.

The county was officially established in 1821 and named after Benjamin Parke, a prominent early settler and judge in the Indiana Territory. During the mid-1800s, Parke County experienced an economic boom with the discovery of significant coal reserves. This led to the rapid growth of mining operations, attracting new settlers and increasing the population.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Parke County became famous for its covered bridges, which were built to facilitate transportation across the region's numerous streams and rivers. At one point, the county boasted over 50 covered bridges, earning it the nickname "The Covered Bridge Capital of the World." Today, many of these bridges still stand and are a significant tourist attraction.

Throughout its history, Parke County has been known for its agricultural roots, with farming playing a vital role in the local economy. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate have made it suitable for various crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. In addition to farming, Parke County has also seen growth in tourism, with visitors flocking to its picturesque scenery, charming towns, and annual events such as the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Overall, Parke County, Indiana, has a fascinating history shaped by the Native American presence, coal mining, and its iconic covered bridges. Its agricultural heritage and vibrant tourism industry continue to make it a thriving and appealing destination for both residents and visitors.

Parke County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Parke County, Indiana.

1821 - Parke County is established and named after Benjamin Parke, a territorial judge.
1833 - Raccoon Creek becomes the first settlement in the county.
1833 - The town of Rockville is founded as the county seat.
1842 - The Bridgeton Covered Bridge is constructed, becoming the first of Parke County's iconic covered bridges.
1851 - Turkey Run State Park is established, showcasing the region's natural beauty.
1864 - The Old Jail Inn in Rockville, originally a functioning jail, becomes Indiana's first bed and breakfast.
1875 - The Mansfield Covered Bridge is built, becoming the longest covered bridge in Parke County.
1882 - The Parke County Annual Covered Bridge Festival begins, attracting tourists from all over.
1927 - The Narrows Covered Bridge, a picturesque truss bridge, is constructed.
1950s - The popularity of the Covered Bridge Festival continues to grow, drawing larger crowds each year.