Parkersburg in Wood County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Escape to Freedom / Women of Courage
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 10, 2022
1. Escape to Freedom side of marker
Escape to Freedom. The Ohio R. was a major gateway to freedom for enslaved Africans via the Underground Railroad, a clandestine network of people, places, routes, and modes of transportation used in their flight from bondage. Network's peak activity was between 1830 and 1865. African American and white men and women called “Conductors,” helped escaping Africans to freedom across to Ohio and points north to Canada.
Women of Courage. Aunt Jenny, African American, who blew horn at the “Point” as signal to river boas, served as “Conductor” on the Underground Railroad. Jane, of “low stature and very fleshy,” “lame in one leg,” and age 50, escaped Aug. 1843 with seven of her children from the Harness Plantation on Bull Creek near Parkersburg. Two were captured in Marietta and returned; a reward of $450 did not entice return of others.
Erected 2003 by WV Celebration 2000, and the West Virginia Divistion of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 39° 15.966′ N, 81° 33.948′ W.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Blennerhassett Hotel (a few steps from this marker); George Rogers Clark (a few steps from this marker); Vital Transportation Center (a few steps from this marker); Burr-Blennerhassett (a few steps from this marker); Albert J. Woofter (a few steps from this marker); Women of Courage (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroads (within shouting distance of this marker); Blennerhassett Island (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parkersburg.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 10, 2022
2. Women of Courage side of marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 10, 2022
3. Escape to Freedom / Women of Courage Marker
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 13, 2014
4. Escape to Freedom / Women of Courage Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 542 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 12, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on May 9, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
