The Underground Railroad on University Land
Along Lake Erie, Toledo, Sandusky, Cleveland, Fairport Harbor, and Ashtabula Harbor were major routes from slavery to freedom in Canada. Even though African Americans lived throughout the state, Ohio itself was not really safe. Slavery was sanctioned across the United States. Escapees and free African Americans alike were constantly threatened by re-capture or kidnapping. Ohio also had “Black Laws,” often used to prevent long-term settlement. Frequently, the goal of the Freedom Train was to help escapees through Ohio rather than to Ohio. Nevertheless, stationmasters aided thousands of escapees - a record about which Ohio and Ohio State can be proud.
Marker is at the intersection of College Road and Hagerty Drive, on the left when traveling north on College Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
