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

Historic Underground Railroad Station

Historical marker location:

4613 Laurel Road, Brunswick, Ohio

( Marker is on Laurel Road west of Pearl Road (Ohio Route 42), on the right when traveling west.)

Marker installed: 1931

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 city of Akron, Ohio, was once known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" because of its thriving rubber industry. Companies like Goodyear, Firestone, and General Tire all had headquarters in Akron at one point.

About Medina County

Medina County, located in northeastern Ohio, has a rich and diverse history dating back to its establishment in 1812. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Shawnee, and Wyandot, who were later displaced as European settlers arrived in the area.

The county's name, "Medina," was chosen to honor the Arabian city of the same name, as it was believed to symbolize peacefulness and community. The first settlers arrived in the early 1800s, with Medina Township being established as one of the county's earliest townships.

During the mid-19th century, Medina County experienced significant growth and development. The railroad industry played a crucial role in shaping the county, connecting it with major cities like Cleveland and Akron. This facilitated the transportation of goods, leading to the growth of industries such as farming, manufacturing, and mining.

Notably, Medina County became known for its high-quality sandstone, which was quarried and used in the construction of many buildings and monuments, including several in Cleveland's iconic Public Square. The sandstone industry brought economic prosperity to the region and played a vital role in its development.

Today, Medina County is a vibrant community that combines its historical roots with modern amenities. The county is known for its charming small towns, beautiful countryside, and numerous parks and recreational areas. Rich in history and natural beauty, Medina County continues to thrive as a welcoming community for residents and visitors alike.

Medina County Timeline

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

1810: Medina County was officially established on February 18.
1812: The county saw its first settler, Elijah Boardman, in February.
1820: The village of Medina was laid out and became the county seat.
1824: The Ohio and Erie Canal was completed, boosting the county's economic development.
1850: The population of the county reached over 30,000.
1861: During the Civil War, hundreds of men from Medina County joined the Union Army.
1870: Medina County Agricultural Society held its first fair.
1892: The Chippewa Lake amusement park opened, attracting visitors from near and far.
1924: A tornado struck the village of Lodi, causing significant damage.
1954: The Medina County Fairgrounds was established.
1980: The population of Medina County exceeded 100,000.