Springfield in Clark County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Discover the Hope
Hope & New Beginnings: Canadian Settlements
| | Black history is American history. | |
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 8, 2026
1. Discover the Hope Marker
By the time many freedom seekers reached the Toledo area, they had already endured long, dangerous journeys north from the Ohio River. Though weary, they were closeclose enough to sense the promise of freedom carried on the winds off Lake Erie. Some remained in Toledo briefly, sheltered by allies who risked everything to help them continue. Others pressed onward to Sandusky, known in whispered code as Sunrise, a name that reflected hope and new beginnings.
From there, the paths are divided. Some freedom seekers moved further along the lakeshore, while others traveled north to Detroit code name, Midnight, a critical crossing point. Under the cover of darkness, many crossed the river into Canada, where freedom was not just a dream but protected by law. The 1793 act passed in Upper Canada ensured that any enslaved person who reached its soil would be free.
Across Lake Erie and the Detroit River, settlements grew. In places like Windsor called Glory to God, Chatham, Lakeshore, and Dresden, Ontario; formerly, enslaved people built new lives. Some even journeyed farther to Birchtown, Nova Scotia. The Canadian government
this page online
The Reconstruction period in America brought many educated Black leaders back to their local communities in the U.S. as lawmakers and state representatives.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.
Location. 39° 55.025′ N, 83° 48.72′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Ohio, in Clark County. It is at the intersection of Piqua Place and West Clark Street, on the right when traveling north on Piqua Place. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 620 Piqua Pl, Springfield OH 45506, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Dayton Metro and in the Miami Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 8, 2026
2. Discover the Hope Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Discover the History (a few steps from this marker); Discover the Journey (a few steps from this marker); Underground Railroad Discovery Walk (circa 1810-1865) (a few steps from this marker); The George and Sarah Gammon House (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert C. Henry (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas W. Burton, M.D. (about 800 feet away); Brooks Lawrence (approx. 0.2 miles away); David S. "Davey" Moore (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Gammon House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 23, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
