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 Crawford County

Historical marker location:

500 S Sandusky Ave, Bucyrus, Ohio

( Marker is on South Sandusky Street (Ohio Route 4), on the right when traveling north.)

The Underground Railroad

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.

Ohio was the birthplace of seven US presidents: Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding.

About Crawford County

Crawford County, Ohio has an interesting history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by European immigrants in the early 1800s, primarily from Pennsylvania and Virginia. The county was officially established in 1820, and named after William Crawford, a military officer and politician who served in the Revolutionary War.

During its early years, Crawford County had a primarily agricultural economy, with settlers engaging in farming and raising livestock. The county's location near major transportation routes, such as the Sandusky River and the Galion-Crestline-Caledonia Railroad, contributed to its growth and economic development. The discovery of natural gas in the late 19th century further spurred industrialization and attracted businesses to the area.

Crawford County played a significant role in the American Civil War. Many of its residents enlisted in the Union Army, and the county contributed several regiments to the war effort. Notably, Colonel William Harvey Gibson from Crawford County led the 9th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, gaining recognition for his leadership and bravery.

In the 20th century, Crawford County saw continued growth and development. The county became known for its manufacturing industry, with companies like the Tappan Stove Company and the Galion Iron Works establishing operations in the area. The county also became home to several military bases during World War II, contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities.

Today, Crawford County is a diverse community with a strong agricultural heritage. It offers a mix of urban and rural living, with its cities and towns providing various amenities and opportunities for residents. The county continues to evolve and adapt to changing economic landscapes, while preserving and celebrating its rich history.

Crawford County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Crawford County, Ohio.

1817 - Crawford County was established on April 1
1830 - The county seat was moved to Bucyrus from Leesville
1879 - Bucyrus became the world's leader in the manufacturing of mechanical corn pickers
1900 - The county's population reached its peak at 33,957 people
1908 - The present-day courthouse in Bucyrus was completed
1910 - A devastating flood occurred in Bucyrus
1934 - The state reformatory was established in Bucyrus
1949 - The county's population began to decline
1981 - The infamous Bucyrus tornado struck the city, causing significant damage
2000 - The county's population dropped to 46,966 people
2019 - Crawford County celebrated its bicentennial