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 in Champaign County / Lewis Adams

Historical marker location:

Urbana, Ohio

( Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 68 and Lewis B Moore Drive (County Route 55), on the left when traveling north on U.S. 68.)

Marker installed: 2013

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 Ohio.

The Cleveland Museum of Art, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the United States. It has a collection of more than 61,000 works of art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt.

About Champaign County

Champaign County, Ohio, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1805. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware tribes, who were gradually displaced by European settlers. The first permanent settlers began arriving in the late 1700s, with the majority coming from the eastern states.

In the early 19th century, Champaign County saw rapid development and growth. The National Road, which passed through the county, spurred economic activity and brought an influx of settlers. The county's fertile soil attracted farmers, who established successful agricultural practices, primarily focused on crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans. The construction of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad in the mid-1800s further enhanced the county's connectivity and facilitated trade.

Champaign County played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad during the mid-1800s. The county's location between the South and Canada made it an important stop for escaping slaves. Many residents provided shelter, provisions, and transportation to freedom, risking their own safety to support the cause of freedom.

The county also witnessed industrial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Manufacturing became a significant source of employment, with companies like the Ohio Match Company and the Packard Motor Car Company establishing factories in the area. These industries brought prosperity and attracted workers from neighboring regions.

In summary, Champaign County, Ohio, has a history rooted in Native American settlements, early European colonization, agricultural development, abolitionist activities, and industrial growth. It continues to be an important county in the state, known for its rich cultural heritage, economic diversity, and agricultural productivity.

Champaign County Timeline

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

1805: Champaign County was established on February 20, 1805.
1810: The first permanent settlement, Urbana, was founded in 1810.
1812: The War of 1812 began, and several residents of Champaign County served in the conflict.
1833: The first courthouse was constructed in Urbana.
1846: The Little Miami Railroad reached Urbana, connecting the county to the national railway network.
1892: Champaign County Historical Society was established to preserve and promote the county's history.
1917-1919: Champaign County contributed to the American effort in World War I.
1938: The Ohio Land Utilization Survey revealed that agriculture was the mainstay of the county's economy.
1966: The Champaign County Airport was constructed near Urbana.
2008: The Champaign County Bicentennial Celebration commemorated the county's 200th anniversary.