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 Agents in Coshocton County / Muskingum River Underground Railroad Corridor

Historical marker location:

600 North Whitewoman Street, Roscoe Village, Ohio

( Marker is at the intersection of County Road 495 and State Route 16, on the right when traveling west on County Road 495.)

Marker installed: 2009

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 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 Coshocton County

Coshocton County, Ohio, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Delaware, and Wyandot. The archaeological sites found in the region suggest that these tribes established settlements in the area as early as 12,000 years ago.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in Coshocton County. The area was first surveyed by Thomas Hutchins in 1764, and by 1772, the first permanent settlements were established. The county was officially formed in 1811 and was named after the Delaware word "Goschachgunk," meaning "black bear crossing."

During the 19th century, Coshocton County became a prominent center for industry and commerce. The construction of the Ohio Canal in the 1820s brought increased trade and economic growth to the region. The county became known for its production of iron and clay products, and it played a vital role in the development of the coal industry in Ohio.

In the 20th century, Coshocton County experienced significant changes in its economic landscape. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and heavy manufacturing led to a shift towards a more diversified economy. Today, the county is known for its agriculture, with farming and food production being major industries.

Throughout its history, Coshocton County has preserved and celebrated its heritage. Many historical sites, such as Roscoe Village, have been restored to their original glory, providing visitors with a glimpse into the county's past. The rich history of Coshocton County continues to be cherished and passed down through generations, contributing to a sense of community and pride in the area.

Coshocton County Timeline

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

Prehistoric times: Indigenous peoples such as the Hopewell and Delaware tribes inhabit the region.
1770s: European settlers begin arriving in the area, including families like the Tullys, Johnsons, and the Whittakers.
January 31, 1810: Coshocton County is officially established by an act of the Ohio General Assembly.
1811: The county's first courthouse, a two-story log structure, is built in Coshocton.
Early 1800s: The county experiences rapid growth in population and the establishment of numerous towns, including West Lafayette, Warsaw, and New Castle.
1820s: The Ohio and Erie Canal is constructed through the county, providing a significant economic boost by connecting Coshocton with major cities like Cleveland and Akron.
1861-1865: Coshocton County actively participates in the American Civil War, with many residents serving in the Union Army.
Mid-1900s: The county's economy shifts from agriculture to manufacturing, with industries like glassmaking and coal mining becoming prominent.
1974: The historic Roscoe Village, a restored canal-era town, is opened to the public as a popular tourist attraction.
1980s-present: Coshocton County experiences economic challenges due to the decline of manufacturing, but continues to preserve its rich history and natural beauty.