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

Historical marker location:

408 S. St Rt 4, Attica, Ohio

( Marker is at the intersection of Columbus - Sandusky Pike (Ohio Route 4) and Scottwood Road (County Route 9), on the right when traveling south on Columbus - Sandusky Pike.)

Marker installed: 2004

At Omar Inn and Omar Chapel of Seneca County

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 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 Seneca County

Seneca County, Ohio has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wyandot and Shawnee, who used the land for hunting and fishing. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, with the first permanent white settlement established in present-day Seneca County in 1817. The county was officially created in 1820 and named after the powerful Seneca Native American tribe.

During the 19th century, Seneca County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830s boosted the local economy by providing a reliable transportation route for goods and people. This led to the establishment of several canal towns, including Tiffin, the county seat. Tiffin quickly grew into a thriving community, home to mills, schools, churches, and businesses.

Seneca County played a role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom. Abolitionists in the area provided support and shelter for escaped slaves, helping them on their journey to Canada. The region also had a strong German immigrant presence, with many settling in Seneca County and establishing successful businesses and farms.

In the 20th century, Seneca County continued to evolve and adapt. The construction of highways such as U.S. Route 224 and State Route 53 improved connectivity and transportation, further promoting economic development. The county also became home to industrial and manufacturing companies, contributing to employment opportunities and growth. Today, Seneca County maintains its agricultural roots while also embracing modern industries and tourism, offering a vibrant and diverse community for its residents and visitors.

Seneca County Timeline

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

1817: Seneca County is established in the state of Ohio.
1824: The county seat is established in Tiffin.
1853: The first railroad, the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad, is completed in Seneca County.
1892: The Seneca County Courthouse, designed by architect Elijah E. Myers, is completed.
1929: The Ritz Theatre, a historic movie theater, opens in downtown Tiffin.
1969: Heidelberg University, a private liberal arts college, merges with Tiffin University.
1980: The Tiffin Glass Museum is established, showcasing the history of Tiffin's glass manufacturing industry.
1998: Seneca Caverns, a popular tourist attraction, celebrates its 70th anniversary.
2019: Seneca County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.