Oberlin and the Underground Railroad
Historical marker location:Historic Underground Railroad Site
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 a key battleground state in the 2004 presidential election, with the outcome ultimately decided by a margin of just over 118,000 votes.
In 1824, Lorain County was officially established and named after the Lorraine region in France. The county quickly grew in population and became an important center for agriculture, industry, and commerce. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s further boosted the county's development, connecting it to the Great Lakes and allowing for the transportation of goods.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Lorain County became known for its thriving industries, such as steel production, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. The city of Lorain, in particular, grew into a major industrial hub, attracting workers from various parts of the country. The county also played a significant role during World War II, with many of its industries contributing to the war effort.
In recent decades, as the manufacturing industry declined, Lorain County has focused on diversifying its economy and promoting sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism. Today, the county is home to several colleges and universities, including Oberlin College and Lorain County Community College. The county's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, including Lake Erie and various parks, continue to attract visitors and residents alike. Lorain County's history and its ongoing efforts for growth and development make it a fascinating and vibrant place to explore.
Lorain County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lorain County, Ohio.
- 1807 - Lorain County is officially established.
- 1812 - The first permanent settlement is established in Elyria.
- 1832 - The Ohio and Erie Canal opens, boosting the county's economic growth.
- 1857 - Oberlin College becomes the first coeducational college in the United States.
- 1894 - Lorain experiences a significant population boom due to the growth of its steel industry.
- 1905 - Lorain becomes a city.
- 1919 - The United Steel Workers union is established in Lorain.
- 1942 - The Ford Motor Company builds a large plant in Lorain, contributing to the county's industrial prominence.
- 1980 - The decline of the steel industry leads to economic challenges in Lorain County.
- 1996 - The Lorain County Community College opens, providing educational opportunities for residents.
- 2010 - Lorain County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.