Posted on March 16, 2026

Ohio, the home state of our protagonist, Rev. Jacob Chandler, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad and the safe passage of thousands of slaves to freedom. With Lake Erie on the state’s northern border and the Ohio River to the south, the state was strategically placed to enable “travelers” find their way.

Marietta, a river town nestled in the southeastern part of Ohio, was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Its strategic location along the Ohio River made it an ideal stop on the Underground Railroad. Marietta is home to The Castle, an historic mansion that served as a safe house for many people escaping slavery. Today, it offers tours that delve into its rich history. The home of David Putnam, a prominent abolitionist, still stands as a testament to his bravery.

Gallipolis, southeast of Marietta, was founded by French settlers. It also played a role in the Underground Railroad. The Our House Tavern provided refuge to many seeking freedom, and is today a museum. The French Art Colony is a cultural center that celebrates the town’s French heritage and its role in providing refuge.

Portsmouth, located at the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto Rivers, was another key stop on the Underground Railroad. Its residents were known for their dedication to the cause. The historic Boneyfiddle District was home to many abolitionists who provided shelter and support to escaping slaves. The site of the current Spartan Municipal Stadium was once an area of safe houses for those on the run.

Farther west was Ripley, Ohio, the original home of the famous abolitionist, Rev. John Rankin. In addition to challenging his Presbyterian denomination on the subject of slavery, it is estimated that he and African American John Parker assisted 2000 fugitives on their way to freedom in Ohio, Canada, and other free states. It was Rankin who provided the real-life story that inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Fifty miles west of Ripley was Cincinnati, often referred to as the "Queen City." Founded in 1788, it quickly became a significant river port and a gateway to the West. By the mid-19th century, it was one of the largest cities in the United States. The city's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, offers a glimpse into this rich past. Cincinnati was a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad. Its proximity to Kentucky, a slave state, made it a coveted destination.

Today, Cincinnati is home to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. As I discovered, it is well worth a visit. If you can’t go in person, the website (https://freedomcenter.org) offers educational curricula for young and old; information about current events and exhibits; a portal for purchasing merchandise; and information; and information about donating objects to the center.

Not all abolitionist activity was on the water.

In northern Ohio, the town of Oberlin was founded in 1833 by two Presbyterian ministers, John Shipherd and Philo P. Stewart. From the beginning, it was intended to be an integrated community. The founders of the town also founded Oberlin College (still in existence), which admitted African Americans. Oberlin became a popular stop on the Underground Railroad as it is situated only 12 miles from Lake Erie, which provided a means of travel to Canada and freedom. Oberlin was pivotal in supporting the abolition of slavery and the support of fugitives seeking freedom, counter to the existing Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. John Price, an African-American who had lived and worked in Oberlin for two years, was captured by slave hunters who planned to return him to Kentucky. This led to the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue of 1858 and a trial at which defendants argued against the Fugitive Slave Law in federal court. The well-publicized trial brought increased national attention to abolitionism and became one of the defining events that led to the Civil War.

There are 48 sites on the Ohio Historical Underground Railroad Trail that are located throughout Ohio from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. For more information about the Ohio Historical Underground Railroad Trail, or for information about visiting the other sites mentioned in this blog, please go to the Ohio History Connection (https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites), the Ohio Traveler (https://www.ohiotraveler.com/ohio-historical-site-map), or the individual websites for the site you wish to visit.