Springfield in Clark County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Discover the Journey
Starting at the River's Edge
| | Black history is American history. | |
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 8, 2026
1. Discover the Journey Marker
Imagine, going back in time, to the late 1850s when the Underground Railroad was at its peak just before the Civil War. You have traveled hundreds of miles after escaping from a plantation in the deep South. You have now reached the great Ohio River. Ohio is one of the free states where you will find even more help on your journey to freedom. As you walk along the trails receiving help from time to time, you discover they are called the Underground Railroad (UGRR). Your ancestors were forbidden to talk about this trail and the secret codes that could lead you to freedom, but through church songs, passed-down stories, oral family history, and hearsay you now have an understanding.
The night is heavy with silence as you reach the banks of the Ohio River after traveling hundreds of miles. Your body aches, but you cannot stop now. Across the river and on a large hill, you see a light in the window of a house (John Rankin House). Before you, the river stretches wide and darka final barrier between slavery and the hope of freedom. You recall the whispered stories, the hidden meanings in church songs, and the secret knowledge
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From the shadows, he approaches quietly. "My name's Arnold," he whispers. "Arnold Gragston (conductor). I've been waiting." You realize this is no chance meeting. This is the Underground Railroad in motion. Not tracks and trains, but people. Brave people. He gestures toward the canoe. "We don't have much time. Patrols come through here. You ready?" He motions to a concealed canoe.
An enslaved conductor risking everything to help others escape. With urgency, he guides you in, pushing off into the current. The river feels endless, cold, and dangerous.
Fear grips you, but the light remains constant, leading you onward.
At last, you reach the Ohio shore. "Go quickly," he whispers. You step onto free soil and begin climbing toward the light, leaving behind the life you were forced to liveand moving closer to freedom at your first stop in Ripley, Ohio.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans.
Location. 39° 55.034′ N, 83° 48.72′ W.
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 8, 2026
2. Discover the Journey Marker
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 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: Discover the History (here, next to this marker); Underground Railroad Discovery Walk (circa 1810-1865) (here, next to this marker); Discover the Hope (a few steps from this marker); The George and Sarah Gammon House (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert C. Henry (about 400 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 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 8 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.
