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 Hancock County

Historical marker location:

300 S. Main Street, Findlay, Ohio

( Marker is on Main Street, on the left when traveling south.)

Marker installed: 2001

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 Wright brothers, who invented and flew the first successful airplane, were from Dayton, Ohio. The city is now home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

About Hancock County

Hancock County, Ohio is a county located in the northwestern part of the state. Its history dates back to the early 1800s when it was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Wyandot. European settlement began in the early 1820s, with pioneers from Pennsylvania and Virginia establishing towns such as Findlay, the county seat.

The county's development was greatly influenced by the discovery of oil and natural gas in the late 1800s. This led to an influx of industries and population growth, as people flocked to the area for employment opportunities. Findlay became known as the "Oil Capital of the World" due to its significant oil production, and this industry played a pivotal role in shaping the county's economic and cultural landscape.

Over the years, Hancock County has experienced periods of prosperity and challenges. During World War II, the county's manufacturing sector boomed as it supported the war effort. After the war, the county continued to diversify its economy, with manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare becoming prominent industries.

Hancock County has also seen its fair share of cultural and community development. It is home to the University of Findlay, which was established in 1882 and has since become an integral part of the county's educational system. The county also boasts various parks, museums, and historical landmarks, preserving its rich heritage and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Today, Hancock County continues to thrive as a vibrant and growing community with a strong sense of history and progress.

Hancock County Timeline

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

1820 - Hancock County is established
1833 - The county seat is relocated from Findlay to Fostoria
1834 - The first courthouse is built in Findlay
1845 - The Findlay and Western Railroad is completed, connecting Findlay to other cities
1863 - The Civil War impacts the county, with numerous residents serving in the Union Army
1881 - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom
1893 - Floods devastate Findlay and the surrounding areas
1905 - The Findlay Publishing Company is founded
1920 - The discovery of natural gas brings another economic boom to the county
1950 - The population of Hancock County reaches its peak at over 80,000 residents
1973 - The Hancock Historical Museum is established
2007 - The Marathon Petroleum Corporation, a major employer in the county, is formed