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

International Underground Railroad Monument

Historical marker location:

5939 Rte 109, Delta, Ohio

( Marker is on Ohio Route 109 south of County Road F, on the right when traveling south.)

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 played a key role in the development of the modern steel industry. Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, started his career in the steel industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his first major investment was in a steel mill in Braddock, Ohio.

About Fulton County

Fulton County, Ohio has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The area that is now Fulton County was first settled by Native American tribes, including the Wyandot, Ottawa, and Potawatomi. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement being established in 1820 by Homesteaders from New York.

The county was officially established on April 1, 1850, and named after inventor Robert Fulton, famous for his development of the steamboat. In its early years, Fulton County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming playing a crucial role in the local economy. Crops such as wheat, corn, and oats were grown, and livestock farming also became an important industry.

As transportation infrastructure improved, Fulton County began to experience industrial growth. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century allowed for easier transportation of goods, leading to the establishment of various factories and industries. The county became a hub for manufacturing, including steel, furniture, and agricultural implements. This industrial growth brought more jobs and economic prosperity to the area.

Throughout its history, Fulton County has faced challenges and experienced moments of growth and change. It has weathered economic downturns and adapted to societal changes. Today, Fulton County continues to be an agricultural community while also embracing modern industries and technologies. With its scenic landscapes, small-town communities, and rich historical heritage, Fulton County remains a valued part of Ohio's history.

Fulton County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fulton County, Ohio.

1817 - Fulton County was established by an act of the Ohio Legislature.
1820 - The first settler, Charles Jewett, arrived in the area.
1836 - The first post office was established in the county's largest town, Wauseon.
1850 - The county's population reached 2,849 people.
1854 - Wauseon was officially incorporated as a village.
1870 - The population of the county grew to 10,195.
1880 - The first railroad, the Wabash Railroad, was built in the county.
1888 - Wauseon became a city.
1914 - The county's largest and oldest annual fair, the Fulton County Fair, was established.
1920 - The first concrete road in Ohio was built in the county.
1950 - The population of Fulton County reached 20,466.