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 / The Underground Railroad in Pickaway County

Historical marker location:

304 S. Court Street, Circleville, Ohio

( Marker is at the intersection of Court Street and Mound Street, on the left when traveling south on Court Street.)

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 Ohio State Reformatory, located in Mansfield, Ohio, is a famous prison that has been featured in several movies, including "The Shawshank Redemption." It was built in 1886 and operated until 1990.

About Pickaway County

Pickaway County, Ohio has a rich and vibrant history that stretches back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Wyandot people. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The county was officially established in 1810 and derived its name from a Native American word meaning "clear water."

During the early years, agriculture played a crucial role in the county's development. The fertile soil allowed for successful farming, with crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco becoming major products. The arrival of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the mid-19th century further stimulated economic growth by providing a transportation route for goods.

Pickaway County also played an essential role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped escaped slaves find freedom in the North. Numerous abolitionists and sympathetic residents provided shelter and assistance to individuals seeking liberation. The county was a pivotal stop on the journey to Canada, where escaped slaves could live freely.

In more recent years, Pickaway County experienced industrial growth and modernization. The construction of the Scioto Valley Railroad in the late 19th century enabled the transportation of goods to larger markets. The county also became known for its manufacturing industry, including the production of farm equipment and textiles. Today, Pickaway County continues to thrive as a diverse community with a strong agricultural base, while also embracing advanced industries, vibrant arts and culture, and a commitment to preserving its historical heritage.

Pickaway County Timeline

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

1803: Pickaway County is established on March 1, 1803, as the 26th county in the state of Ohio.
1810: The county seat is established in the town of Circleville.
1825: The Ohio and Erie Canal is completed, bringing increased transportation and economic opportunities to Pickaway County.
1850: The population of Pickaway County reaches over 20,000 as agriculture becomes a major industry.
1861-1865: Many residents of Pickaway County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
1879: The Circleville Pumpkin Show, now one of the largest festivals in Ohio, is first held.
1901: The first oil well is drilled in Pickaway County, leading to a boom in the oil industry.
1929-1940: The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl impact the economy of Pickaway County, causing hardship for many residents.
1995: The Pickaway County Airport is opened, providing improved air transportation options.
2020: Pickaway County celebrates its 217th anniversary with a diverse economy and a growing population.