Washington Township in Utica in Licking County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Underground Railroad

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 31, 2025

1. Underground Railroad Marker

Inscription. During the late 1800's, thousands of slaves fleeing the South in pursuit of freedom found this site very popular. Often slaves would follow a river because they were bordered by poplar trees. These trees have broad leaves which reflected moonlight as it filtered through. Since the slaves often traveled at night, such meager light helped guide the slaves. An interesting note is that the slaves originally hid in the Millwright's home, just north of our present patio. At night, they would sleep under the mill. At one point, the Millwright's home mysteriously burned down. From Utica, freed slaves would travel Martinsburg Road to Mount Vernon.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Abolition & Underground RR.

Location. 40° 12.884′ N, 82° 26.496′ W. Marker is in Utica, Ohio, in Licking County. It is in Washington Township. It is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Road (Ohio Route 13) and Ginger Hill Road, on the right when traveling north on Mount Vernon Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11324 Mt Vernon Rd, Utica OH 43080, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Columbus Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

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: Water Wheel (here, next to this marker); Ye Olde Mill - Utica, Ohio (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Water Wheel

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(here, next to this marker); "Ye Olde Mill" (here, next to this marker); Ye Olde Mill, Utica, Ohio (here, next to this marker); Ritchey's Lunches & Fountain Service (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Water Wheel (within shouting distance of this marker); Buckeye Tree Grove (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Utica.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Ice Harvesting (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 31, 2025

2. Underground Railroad Marker

Ye Olde Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 31, 2025

3. Ye Olde Mill

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 118 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.