Near Mantua in Portage County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Underground Railroad / Escaping Slavery In Eastern Ohio
Historic Underground Railroad Site
The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a railroad, but a system of loosely connected safe havens where those escaping the brutal conditions of slavery were sheltered, fed, clothed, nursed, concealed, disguised, and instructed during their journey to freedom. Although this movement was one of America's greatest social, moral, and humanitarian endeavors, the details about it were often cloaked in secrecy to protect those involved from the retribution of civil law and slave-catchers. Ohio's history has been permanently shaped by the thousands of runaway slaves passing through or finding permanent residence in this state.
Escaping Slavery In Eastern Ohio
On their perilous journey north to freedom, enslaved people encountered a diverse mix of allies in eastern Ohio motivated by deeply held religious beliefs. The Quaker communities in Stark, Carroll. and Wayne counties provided refuge and offered assistance. The implacable Congregational mind-set of the Connecticut Western Reserve translated into fierce antislavery activism of residents in Medina, Portage, and Summit counties.
John Brown of Harpers Ferry fame is one example. He lived in Summit and Portage counties. Many Underground Railroad sites in that area are a testament to his dedication and that of his family, especially his father, Owen Brown. After John Brown's public hanging by authorities in Virginia on December 2, 1859, communities across the Reserve tolled their church bells in outrage the minute the telegraph brought news of his death.
J. Ridgeway Haines, a prominent member of the Quaker Community in Alliance, Stark County, was one of the most active conductors on the Underground Railroad. He stood guard at night when freedom seekers sheltered in an upper room in the rear of his house. Haines was acquainted with many figures of the national antislavery movement, including Abby Kelley Foster. She and other like-minded abolitionists were frequent house guests of Haines. Today, this house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected by Ohio Turnpike and Infrastucture Commission, and The Friends of Freedom Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 2, 1859.
Location. 41° 14.655′ N, 81° 10.553′ W. Marker is near Mantua, Ohio, in Portage County. Marker is on Ohio Turnpike (Interstate 80 at milepost 197), 3 miles east of Painesville Ravenna Road (Ohio Route 44), on the right when traveling west. Located at the Portage Service Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mantua OH 44255, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named The Underground Railroad / Escaping Slavery In Eastern Ohio (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); War Memorial (approx. 3.7 miles away); Village Government Center Building History (approx. 3.7 miles away); "Creepy" Karpis and The Last Great Train Heist (approx. 4.7 miles away); History of Koritansky Hall (approx. 4.8 miles away); James A. Garfield (approx. 4.8 miles away); Hart Crane American Poet (approx. 4.9 miles away); Maple Industry in Garrettsville, Ohio (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mantua.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2020, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 687 times since then and 125 times this year. Last updated on December 29, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 23, 2020, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on July 5, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.