Portsmouth in Scioto County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Struggle To Be Free
Photographed by Craig Doda, January 7, 2021
1. A Struggle To Be Free Marker
In 1830 while in a slave market and in chains he was bound.
he heard there was a change for freedom in an Ohio Town.
He did not know how to get there but heard people say
they run an underground railroad to help you on your way.
If he ever got the chance he would surely go
to this place called Portsmouth in the state of Ohio.
He knew he had to travel in the darkness of night never in the light of day.
They told him of the signs that would help him on his way
of quilts on a wash line or late at night.
In a certain window he would see light.
This would be a safe house where he could find shelter food and rest.
These were people who believe this God's work and having freedom they were truly blessed.
To help the slaves all they could to find freedom and never doing less.
They knew what they were doing was considered a crime.
They could be killed by slave trackers or in jail spending time.
On his journey through brambles and through briars
he got cuts and bruises added to his whipping scars.
He knew it was worth it if freedom he could see.
He thanked God for his protection while praying on his knee.
While hiding in the wood at night he heard wild animal sounds.
And every now and then the baying
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When this terrible trip had wore him down he thought he went as far as he could go.
He saw the moon shinning on the waters of the Ohio.
After he crossed the river he fell upon his knee.
Oh thank you God for all your help, I have a chance to be free free free.
Erected 2004 by Walter Stout.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans.
Location. 38° 43.855′ N, 83° 0.379′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Ohio, in Scioto County. It is on Front Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portsmouth OH 45662, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Ohio Hill Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Portsmouth Railroads, 1950's / Modern Industry / Medical History / Twentieth Century Wars (within shouting distance of this marker); Portsmouth Motorcycle Club / Good Times Remembered / Sunset at the Point / Sister Cities (within shouting distance of this marker); Twilight / Dedication Panel / Muralist Robert Dafford (within shouting distance of this marker); Progress in Education / Shawnee State Expansion / Vern Riffe (within shouting distance of this marker); Chillicothe Street, 1940's / Steel Industry, 1870-1980 / Clarence Holbrook Carter / Carl Ackerman
Photographed by Craig Doda, January 7, 2021
2. A Struggle To Be Free Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Scioto County, Experience Our Heritage (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Scioto County, Experience Our Heritage (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Scioto County, Experience Our Heritage (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Scioto County, Experience Our Heritage (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Scioto County, Experience Our Heritage (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Scioto County, Experience Our Heritage (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Scioto County, Experience Our Heritage (was about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 459 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
