The Jamestown Underground Railroad Tableau
Historical marker location: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 New York City subway system, which opened in 1904, was the first rapid transit system in the world. The original line ran from City Hall to 145th Street in Harlem.
In the early years, the county primarily relied on agriculture and timber industries for its economic growth. As the Erie Canal was completed in the 1820s, it opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation, allowing the county to expand its reach. With the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, Chautauqua County's industries boomed, attracting more settlers and leading to the establishment of numerous towns and villages.
During the late 19th century, Chautauqua County became famous for its Chautauqua Institution, a center for education and cultural activities. The Chautauqua Institution attracted intellectuals, artists, and scholars from around the country, providing a platform for open discussions on various topics including politics, religion, and social issues. This institution played a significant role in the popularization of the Chautauqua Movement, a nationwide movement that aimed to promote lifelong learning and personal growth.
In the early 20th century, Chautauqua County's economy diversified further with the rise of manufacturing industries, such as furniture, textiles, and machinery. Many of these industries thrived until the mid-20th century, when economic changes and globalization led to a decline in manufacturing jobs. However, the county has since adapted and shifted towards a more service-based economy, including tourism, healthcare, and education.
Today, Chautauqua County continues to embrace its history while forging ahead in the modern world. The county's natural beauty, including its lakes, forests, and charming towns, attracts visitors year-round. It also remains an important cultural hub, hosting various festivals, museums, and art centers. Chautauqua County's blend of history, natural splendor, and contemporary amenities contribute to its unique character and make it a sought-after destination for residents and tourists alike.
Chautauqua County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Chautauqua County, New York.
- 1803: Chautauqua County is founded
- 1811: First European settlers arrive in the area
- 1818: The Village of Mayville is incorporated
- 1821: The Village of Westfield is incorporated
- 1836: The City of Jamestown is incorporated
- 1851: The Chautauqua Institution is established
- 1875: The Dunkirk and Fredonia Railroad is completed
- 1878: The Village of Fredonia is incorporated
- 1892: The Chautauqua Grape Belt Association is formed
- 1898: The Jamestown Chamber of Commerce is established
- 1901: The Celoron Amusement Park opens
- 1923: Chautauqua Lake freezes over completely for the first time on record
- 1953: The Chautauqua County Historical Society is founded
- 1960: The Chautauqua County Airport is opened
- 1973: The Chautauqua Institution is designated a National Historic Landmark
- 1992: The Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport is renamed the Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport
- 2006: The Chautauqua Rails to Trails project is completed
- 2011: The National Comedy Center opens in Jamestown