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 / Abolition Boats Provide an Escape to Freedom in Erie County

Historical marker location:

411 East Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, Ohio

( Marker is on East Shoreline Drive, on the left when traveling east.)

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 first traffic light in the world was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914. It had only two colors, red and green, and was manually operated by a police officer.

About Erie County

Erie County, Ohio is located in the northeastern part of the state, bordering the southern shore of Lake Erie. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Erie and Iroquois, before European settlers arrived. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established in 1808 by Platt Benedict, who built a log cabin near present-day Milan.

During the 19th century, Erie County experienced significant growth and development. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, which connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, played a crucial role in the county's economic expansion. The canal brought increased trade, industry, and population to the region, with several towns and villages springing up along its path, including Huron and Sandusky.

Sandusky, the county seat, became a prominent center of commerce and transportation due to its location on Lake Erie. The city served as a major port for shipping goods, and the growth of the railroad network in the mid-19th century further enhanced its prominence. Sandusky also became a popular destination for tourists, with the development of resorts and amusement parks along its waterfront.

In the 20th century, Erie County continued to thrive as industries such as manufacturing and tourism flourished. The county's manufacturing sector played a significant role in supporting the local economy, producing goods ranging from automobiles to furniture. The establishment of Cedar Point amusement park in the late 1800s solidified Sandusky's status as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the country.

Today, Erie County remains an important economic and cultural hub in Ohio. It is known for its natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, and wildlife habitats. The county continues to draw tourists with attractions like Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands, while also maintaining a strong manufacturing sector.

Erie County Timeline

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

1800: Erie County is established by the Northwest Territory Act.
1807: The first European settlers, the Cuddeback brothers, arrive in the area.
1817: The county seat is established in Milan.
1824: The Erie Canal opens, connecting the Great Lakes to the Hudson River.
1838: The Ohio State Reformatory, a historic prison, is built in Milan.
1882: The Sandusky Bay Bridge, now known as the Thomas A. Edison Memorial Bridge, is completed.
1903: The Cedar Point amusement park opens, becoming a major tourist attraction.
1919: The Great Lakes Historical Society is founded in Vermilion to preserve and promote the history of the Great Lakes region.
1970: The Stranahan Arboretum is established in Toledo, offering a natural retreat for visitors.
1991: The Merry-Go-Round Museum is opened in Sandusky, showcasing the history and artistry of carousel animals.