Vandalia in Cass County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Underground Railroad
Photographed by Duane Hall, April 22, 2013
1. The Underground Railroad Marker
Vandalia, prior to the Civil War, was the junction of two important "lines" of the "Underground Railroad." Slaves fleeing through Indiana and Illinois came to Cass County, where Quakers and others gave them shelter. Fugitives seeking a refuge in Canada were guided to "stations" to the east. Many stayed here and built a unique Negro rural colony. Slave-hunting by Kentuckians in 1847 led to legal action and increased North-South tensions.
Erected 1957 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S137.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission, and the Quakerism series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 41° 55.075′ N, 85° 54.975′ W. Marker is in Vandalia, Michigan, in Cass County. It is at the intersection of State Street (State Highway 60) and Water Street, on the right when traveling east on State Street. Marker is located at the southwest corner of the intersection in Milo Barnes Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vandalia MI 49095, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater South Bend and in Southwest Michigan. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Kentucky Raid (a few steps from this marker);
this page online
Photographed by Duane Hall, April 22, 2013
2. The Underground Railroad Marker
Photographed by Lou Donkle, July 5, 2022
3. Stop #1 on the 'Cass County UGRR Site Driving Tour'
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,580 times since then and 172 times this year. Last updated on July 8, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 23, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on July 8, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
