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Gant House Zanesville |
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Stone Academy Putnam Historic District |
The Underground Railroad is a story of the search for freedom, one of the defining aspects of the American experience. It is neither a “railroad,” nor is it “underground.” Rather, it is a network of sites, routes and events that tell the story of thousands of escaped slaves trying, against all odds, to reach freedom. Ohio’s location bordering the slave-owning states of Kentucky and West Virginia (formerly Virginia) make it an area rich in Underground Railroad history.
Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area is especially important in Ohio’s Underground Railroad history, as many of the communities along the Ohio River and farther inland provided safety to thousands of fugitive slaves. Appreciation for our Underground Railroad history is continuing to grow as communities research, preserve and interpret their Underground Railroad sites. Please join us on a journey to the past where individuals risked their lives on a daily basis to seek or help others seek freedom.
This journey will make you stop and think about freedom in a different way. Over 800 Ohio sites have been documented as significant for Underground Railroad history. A large number of these are located with Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area. To begin your exploration of the subject, we suggest the sites listed below:
Resources to Explore:
Emancipation Festival Gallia County
Ohio is reportedly the only community in the nation that has celebrated the Emancipation Proclamation continuously since 1863. The two-day event is held every year on the weekend closest to September 22 at the Gallia County Fairgrounds in Gallipolis. Gallipolis, Ohio [ back to top ]
Franklin College
Faculty and students from a little college in eastern Ohio played significant roles in the period leading up to the Civil War, during the War and in the Reconstruction period. Among its graduates during this period were Civil War generals; five U.S. Senators; eight Congressmen; two governors and thirty two state legislators. The radical Presbyterian roots of the college led to its abolitionist teachings. The only surviving building, dating from the early 20th century, has been converted into a museum with exhibits on Abolitionism, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War and Reconstruction, along with exhibits of local interest. The museum is open during limited hours. Tours of the museum can be scheduled by calling (740) 968-4066 or (740) 968-1042. New Athens, Ohio [ back to top ]
John Gee Black Historical Center and Lambert Lands
The John Gee Black Historical Center is located in a former A.M.E. Church at the corner of Second Avenue and Pine Street in Gallipolis. It has been turned into a museum of African-American culture. It is open the first and third week of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and by appointment for groups. Other programs are offered throughout the year. The Lambert Lands have been recently recognized by the installation of a historical marker. Located in Morgan Township, these lands (265 acres) were purchased by the Lambert brothers, who were slaveholders in Virginia. They freed their slaves and gave them the land to be held in common by them and their descendents in perpetuity. Unfortunately, the lands were sold for taxes in 1970. It is known that many escaping slaves passed through this settlement and were helped by its residents. The marker documents this important aspect of Gallia County history. 48 Pine Street Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 [ back to top ]
Lawrence County Museum
Lawrence County, located along the Ohio River, has created a self-guided tour Tracks to Freedom documenting the county’s active role in the Underground Railroad. Volunteers are working with the Wayne National Forest to research Underground Railroad sites on Forest Service land. The Lawrence County Museum has artifacts that belonged to noted Abolitionist Rev. John Rankin, who lived his final years in this house with his granddaughter and her family. (740)377-4550 506 South Sixth Street Ironton, Ohio www.zoomnet.net/^procure [ back to top ]
Mt. Pleasant Meeting House and Historic District
Founded in 1803, this early 19th century activist Quaker community is located just a short distance from Wheeling, West Virginia (formerly Virginia) where slave auctions were regularly held. The historic district, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark, is a remarkably intact example of a 19th century community. Its residents are still largely Quakers and are proud to share their abolitionist history with visitors. Group tours of the Quaker Meeting House, Burris Store, Tin Shop, Elizabeth House Mansion Museum, and Historical Center are available by reservation by contacting or . (740) 769-2893 Mount Pleasant, Ohio [ back to top ]
Network to Freedom Sites
Clermont County, Ohio has a number of documented Underground Railroad sites that have been approved for inclusion in the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom. Information about the sites can be found on the Park Service website. Ohio www.crnps.gov/ugrr [ back to top ]
Prospect Place
Prospect Place, located near the village of Dresden, is one of the most impressive mid-19th century Italian Villa style homes in Ohio. It was built by George Willison Adams, whose father left Virginia because of his strong anti-slavery views. The home was reported to be a stop on the Underground Railroad. It is currently being restored by George Adams, a descendent of the original owner. The home is open for tours on weekends and will eventually be a Bed & Breakfast welcoming overnight guests. Trinway, Ohio www.prospectplace-dresden.com [ back to top ]
Putnam Historic District The Putnam Historic District
Located across the Muskingum River from downtown Zanesville, is significant for its association with Abolitionism and the Underground Railroad. The district includes the homes of at least three active abolitionists, the Stone Academy where two meetings of the Ohio Abolition Society were held, and the Putnam Presbyterian Church where Frederick Douglas spoke. In fact, the first pastor of the Putnam Presbyterian Church was William Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stow (author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin). The Stone Academy is operated as a museum by Pioneer and Historical Society of Muskingum County. A Historic Putnam walking tour brochure is available by contacting the Zanesville-Muskingum County Visitor’s Bureau at (800) 743-2303. Zanesville, Ohio [ back to top ]
Rev. John Rankin and John Parker Houses
The Underground Railroad played a major role in the history of this beautiful little town along the banks of the Ohio River. Two of Ohio’s most prominent Underground Railroad conductors – vocal abolitionist Reverend John Rankin and John Parker (who purchased his freedom) helped hundreds of escaping slaves find their way to freedom. Both the Rankin House Museum and the John Parker Museum are designated National Historic Landmarks and have excellent interpretive programs on the Underground Railroad. What better place to start the journey of exploration on the Underground Railroad than in this community where the banks of Kentucky are visible across the Ohio River. In fact, Brown County has joined with Washington and Maysville, Kentucky to create an Underground Railroad Tour. For further information contact the Rankin House (937) 392-1627, the Parker House (937) 392-4188 or the Washington Visitors Center (Kentucky) at (606) 759-7411 for further information. 6152 Rankin Road and 330 Front Street Ripley, Ohio [ back to top ]
Ross County Historical Society Museum
Citizens of Ross County and its county seat and first state capital Chillicothe were active in the Underground Railroad, as several escape routes from the Ohio River intersected in the county. The Ross County Historical Society has recently organized a permanent exhibit on Ross County’s contribution to the Underground Railroad effort. A visit to this well-preserved historic community is always worthwhile. 45 West Fifth Street Chillicothe, Ohio www.rosscountyhistorical.org [ back to top ]
Self-Guided Tour of Underground Railroad Sites
Salem, a historic Quaker community, was active in both the abolitionist and women’s suffrage movements. A number of buildings in the community have been researched and documented as Underground Railroad sites. The community recently published a four-color self-guided tour brochure of Underground Railroad sites in Salem. After touring the sites, the public is invited to visit the Salem Historical Society and Museum and Freedom Hall which has interpretive displays about Salem’s Underground Railroad history. (330) 337-8514 Salem, Ohio www.salemohio.com/tourism [ back to top ]
Underground Railroad Museum and Tours
Located along the main street in the small town of Flushing, this museum features a fascinating collection of publications, memorabilia and artifacts relating to slavery and the Underground Railroad in Ohio. It has been designated as an official site on the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Curator, John Mattox, also offers group tours of the Underground Railroad in Eastern Ohio and has a Traveling Trunk program that he takes to groups and schools around the state. (740) 968-3517 206 High Street Flushing, Ohio 43977 www.ugrrf.org [ back to top ]
In This Page
Emancipation Festival
Franklin College
John Gee Black Historical Center and Lambert Lands
Lawrence County Museum
Mt. Pleasant Meeting House and Historic District
Network to Freedom Sites
Prospect Place
Putnam Historic District
Rev. John Rankin and John Parker Houses
Ross County Historical Society Museum
Self-Guided Tour of Underground Railroad Sites
Underground Railroad Museum and Tours