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The Underground Railroad in Ohio: A History of Freedom and Courage


Ohio played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the 19th century. The state's location, bordering the Ohio River and situated between the slave-holding South and the free states of the North, made it a critical stop on the journey to freedom.


Ohio's Underground Railroad History:

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• Over 40,000 freedom seekers: It's estimated that over 40,000 enslaved individuals passed through Ohio on their journey to freedom.

• Network of abolitionists: A network of abolitionists, both black and white, worked together to provide food, shelter, and guidance to freedom seekers.

• Secret routes and safe houses: Freedom seekers used secret routes and safe houses, often hidden in barns, churches, and other buildings, to evade capture.


Notable Ohioans in the Underground Railroad:


• John Brown: The famous abolitionist, who would later lead the raid on Harpers Ferry, lived in Ohio for a time and was involved in the Underground Railroad.

• Levi Coffin: A prominent Quaker abolitionist, Coffin helped hundreds of freedom seekers escape to freedom through Ohio.

• Harriet Tubman: The legendary "Moses of Her People" passed through Ohio on her own journey to freedom and later returned to help others escape.


The Underground Railroad in Ohio is a testament to the courage and resilience of those who fought for freedom and equality. Today, Ohio is home to numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks that commemorate this important chapter in American history.


Thanks for reading! Whether you're a native Ohioan or just visiting, we hope you've enjoyed learning more about the Buckeye State. Stay tuned for more updates and insights - and don't forget to share your own Ohio favorites with us and be amplified at Ohio Amplified!



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