University District in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Underground Railroad on University Land
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 31, 2008
1. The Underground Railroad on University Land Marker #4
Inscription.
The Underground Railroad on University Land. . Joseph Sullivant, a member of the first Board of Trustees of Ohio State, was known as a “friend of the colored race.” He grew up in Kentucky but developed a distaste for slavery after witnessing a slave auction. Another Ohio State board member (and Professor of Agriculture) with similar beliefs was Norton Strange Townshend. Townshend served twice as a delegate to the World's Antislavery Convention. As a member of the Ohio General Assembly, he also helped to repeal Ohio's “Black Laws,” regulations that greatly restricted the lives of African Americans. Sullivant and Townshend Halls were named for these illustrious leaders.
Joseph Sullivant, a member of the first Board of Trustees of Ohio State, was known as a “friend of the colored race.” He grew up in Kentucky but developed a distaste for slavery after witnessing a slave auction. Another Ohio State board member (and Professor of Agriculture) with similar beliefs was Norton Strange Townshend. Townshend served twice as a delegate to the World's Antislavery Convention. As a member of the Ohio General Assembly, he also helped to repeal Ohio's “Black Laws,” regulations that greatly restricted the lives of African Americans. Sullivant and Townshend Halls were named for these illustrious leaders.
Erected 2006 by Ohio Staters, Inc. (Marker Number 4 of 5.)
Location. 39° 59.849′ N, 83° 0.681′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in the University District. Marker is about 150 feet NNE of Enarson Hall (Old Ohio Union), 154 W. 12th Avenue, on The Ohio State University campus. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus OH 43210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 31, 2008
2. The Underground Railroad on University Land Marker #4
Looking south toward Enarson Hall (Old Ohio Union) in background.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,496 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.
