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

Hudson and the Underground Railroad

Historical marker location:

130 N Main St, Hudson, Ohio

( Marker is on North Main Street (Ohio Route 91) just south of Aurora Street, on the right when traveling north.)

Historic Underground Railroad Site

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 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.

About Summit County

Summit County, Ohio has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by Europeans in the late 1700s as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, a parcel of land given to the state of Connecticut in compensation for their losses during the American Revolution. In 1808, the county was officially established, and it was named "Summit" due to its high elevation and the fact that it was located at the highest point along the Ohio and Erie Canal.

The development of the Ohio and Erie Canal played a significant role in the county's growth. Completed in 1832, the canal transformed Summit County into a major transportation hub, connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio River. This led to an economic boom, attracting industries such as coal mining, steel production, and manufacturing. Akron, the county seat, became known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" due to the presence of major tire companies like Goodyear and Firestone.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Summit County experienced rapid urbanization, fueled by the growth of its industries. The area attracted a diverse immigrant population, with substantial numbers of Eastern European, Irish, and Italian migrants settling in the region. They contributed to the cultural richness of the area, establishing their own communities and bringing their unique traditions with them.

In recent decades, Summit County has transitioned from an industrial-based economy to one focused on healthcare, education, and technology. The University of Akron has become a prominent institution, drawing students from across the region, while the Akron Global Business Accelerator supports the growth of tech startups. Today, Summit County is a vibrant and diverse area that combines historical charm with modern innovation.

Summit County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Summit County, Ohio.

1840: Summit County is established as one of the 88 counties in Ohio.
1841: Canal construction in the county begins, aiding in the area's economic growth.
1846: The Akron and Summit County Institute is established, marking the beginnings of higher education in the county.
1865: The American Civil War ends, bringing changes and challenges to Summit County.
1870: The Akron Public Library is founded, providing accessible knowledge to the community.
1914: The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company is established in Akron, becoming a significant industrial presence.
1935: Summit County experiences severe flooding as a result of heavy rainfall and inadequate flood control measures.
1950: Akron becomes known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" as numerous rubber companies expand in the area.
1970: The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is established, preserving natural beauty in Summit County.
1986: The Akron Art Museum moves to its current location, showcasing art exhibitions and educational programs.
2008: The downtown area of Akron undergoes revitalization efforts to attract more businesses and residents.