Adrian in Lenawee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Bench By The Road
Photographed By Craig Doda, September 18, 2021
1. A Bench By The Road Marker
There is no place you or I can go, to think about or not think about,
to summon the presences of or recollect the absences of slaves; nothing
that reminds us of the ones who made the journey and of those who
did not make it. There is no suitable memorial or plaque or wreath or
wall or park or skyscraper lobby. There's no three-hundred-foot tower.
There's no small bench by the road.
This Bench is placed to honor the memory of those freedom seekers who escaped slavery using the Underground Railroad and made their way to Adrian, Michigan, a hub of abolitionist activity in the North. Among the men, women, and children who made the journey to freedom were George Branegan, Robert Coxe, George Taylor, John White, and Elsie and Willis Hamilton. While they were nobly assisted in their quest by brave abolitionists, it is the yearning, the fortitude, and the triumph of these heroic individuals that we remember today. May we continue to be inspired by their journey and may Adrian, Michigan, continue to be a beacon of hope and promise for all who pass through her gates.
this page online
Adrian, Michigan
Erected 2017 by Christopher & Kimberly Momany.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. A significant historical date for this entry is October 20, 2017.
Location. 41° 53.833′ N, 84° 2.205′ W. Marker is in Adrian, Michigan, in Lenawee County. Marker is on East Church Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Adrian MI 49221, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Laura Smith Haviland (within shouting distance of this marker); Laura Haviland (within shouting distance of this marker); The Antislavery - Underground Railroad Movement (within shouting distance of this marker); Adrian Fire Department / Adrian Engine House No. 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank Navin & The Detroit Tigers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Adrian Union Hall (about 600 feet away); Adrian & The Republican Party (about 600 feet away); Adrian's Governors (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Adrian.
More about this marker. This was the 22nd Bench Placement by the Toni Morrison Society.
Photographed By Craig Doda, September 18, 2021
2. A Bench By The Road Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, September 18, 2021
3. A Bench By The Road Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, September 18, 2021
4. A Bench By The Road Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, September 18, 2021
5. A Bench By The Road Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 23, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
