Where did fugitive slaves hide in their flight to freedom?
Many African Americans, including some who were fugitive slaves, lived openly in the community, especially before the enactment of the Fugitive Slave Act. Since the entire town was known as a safe place and a hot bed of the abolitionist movement, it is unlikely that many homes had secret hiding places. Not many homes from the pre-Civil War era survive and many that do have undergone extensive alterations. Of course any house in town built before the Civil War could have been part of the Underground Railroad. Oberlin was the home of many ardent abolitionists, both African American and Caucasian, and many of them were active in the Underground Railroad in various ways. John Mercer Langston, the Evans brothers, and James Monroe were among the community’s most prominent abolitionists. Visitors are encouraged to check our Event Calendar to take part in a Freedom’s Friends History Walk and hear stories about Oberlin’s participation in the Underground Railroad. An excellent illustrated handbo
Many African Americans, including some who had escaped from slavery, lived openly in the community, especially before the enactment of the Fugitive Slave Act. Since the entire town was known as a safe place and a hotbed of the abolitionist movement, it is unlikely that many homes had secret hiding places. Most stories involve people hiding in spare rooms, barns, within wagons, in the woods, or not hiding at all. Not many homes from the pre-Civil War era survive and many that do have undergone extensive alterations. Of course, any house in town built before the Civil War could have been part of the Underground Railroad. Oberlin was the home of many ardent abolitionists, both African American and Caucasian, and many of them were active in the Underground Railroad in various ways. John Mercer Langston, the Evans brothers, and James Monroe were among the community’s most prominent abolitionists. Visitors are encouraged to check our Event Calendar to take part in a Freedom’s Friends History
