The New Concord Underground Railroad
Historical marker location:Civil War Story
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 Ohio River, which forms the state's southern border, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the North before the Civil War.
During the early years of Muskingum County's history, agriculture played a vital role in its economy. The fertile soil along the river attracted many farmers who grew crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s further boosted economic development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and opening new opportunities for trade. This expansion also brought about the growth of small towns and villages in Muskingum County.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of natural gas and oil in the area led to significant industrial development. Several oil and gas companies were established, leading to a boom in the local economy. This period saw the growth of Zanesville, the county seat, as an industrial center, with factories and mills contributing to its prosperity.
Today, Muskingum County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community. It is home to a range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The county also boasts beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Muskingum University, located in New Concord, adds to the cultural and educational fabric of the county. Overall, Muskingum County's history is a testament to the resilience and growth of a community that has evolved from its agricultural beginnings to a thriving region in central Ohio.
Muskingum County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Muskingum County, Ohio.
- 1804 - Muskingum County is officially established.
- 1805 - Zanesville becomes the county seat.
- 1810 - The first bridge in Ohio is built over the Muskingum River in Zanesville.
- 1827 - The National Road reaches Zanesville, spurring economic growth.
- 1843 - Zanesville becomes a hub for the pottery industry.
- 1863 - The "Y-Bridge" in Zanesville, a unique three-way bridge, is completed.
- 1902 - The Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention and Visitors Bureau is established.
- 1960s - The construction of Interstate 70 brings more visitors to Muskingum County.
- 2000s - Muskingum University, founded in 1837, continues to be a prominent educational institution.