Parkersburg in Wood County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Escape to Freedom

By Don Morfe, April 13, 2014

1. Escape to Freedom Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

Erected 2003 by WV Celebration 2000-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.

Location. 39° 15.966′ N, 81° 33.948′ W. Marker is in Parkersburg, West Virginia, in Wood County. Marker is on Little Kanawa Connector. The marker is located in Blennerhassett Point Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Parkersburg WV 26101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

By Don Morfe, April 13, 2014

2. Escape to Freedom Marker

(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.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 348 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 9, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.