Salem in Columbiana County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Unserheim

Photographed by Jenn Wintermantel, May 19, 2013

1. Unserheim Marker

Inscription. Unserheim, meaning "Our Home" in German, is the name of this ante-bellum Queen Anne style home, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. From 1857-1878, it was home to Daniel Howell Hise, a Quaker and ardent abolitionist. On April 8, 1849, Hise wrote, "Welcome! Welcome to the protection I can give, with or without the law." A major stop on the Underground Railroad, Unserheim's secret rooms and tunnel provided shelter to slaves on their flight to freedom. Hise's belief in abolitionism was so strong that following John Brown's Raid at Harper's Ferry, he was instrumental in erecting the Edwin Coppock Monument at Hope Cemetery. Coppock had been executed for his participation in the raid. Hise also supported the Women's Rights Movement and opened Unserheim to such notable guests as famed suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth.

Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Salem Historical Society, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 14-15.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Abolition & Underground RR. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection, and the Quakerism series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1832.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

40° 53.526′ N, 80° 50.526′ W. Marker is in Salem, Ohio, in Columbiana County. It is at the intersection of Franklin Avenue (Ohio Route 344) and Summitt Street, on the right when traveling west on Franklin Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salem OH 44460, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Mahoning Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest,

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 Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Salem (approx. half a mile away); Cherry Valley Coke Ovens (approx. 4½ miles away); Thank You (approx. 4.6 miles away); American Legion Post No. 131 Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.6 miles away); Vice Admiral Anthony (Tony) A. Less, U.S. Navy (Retired) (approx. 4.6 miles away); Maple-Dell (approx. 4.8 miles away); Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge / Teegarden (approx. 4.9 miles away); Tract of the City of Alliance (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Photographed by Jenn Wintermantel, May 19, 2013

2. Unserheim Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, November 15, 2025

3. Unserheim Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,499 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 19, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on November 18, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.