Ohio’s Division of Tourism has joined the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in promoting Underground Railroad sites around the state. The website, www.passagetofreedomohio.com, includes maps and details about many locations, and they’re working to add more.
I grew up and went to college in Ohio. I remember going deep into one of the fraternity houses on campus to view a well-hidden safe room that was supposedly connected to the Underground Railroad. It was a fascinating glimpse into the past in a setting that certainly wasn’t conducive to historical preservation.
This network of safe homes and safe towns to bring slaves to freedom is an important part of U.S. history. I’m pleased to see that there’s an effort to present and preserve this important detail for future generations.
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Great post! If you want to learn more about Ohio’s Underground Railroad, my second book about the Rev Joh Rankin family of Ripley, Ohio just came out. You can watch a book preview trailer:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=be4eaca7990688da2eb6
And check my ShoutLife page for photos of Rankin House, a National Historic Landmark.
Now I’m off to check the Passage to Freedom link: thanks!