Corydon in Harrison County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Oswell Wright

Photographed by Ginger Drenning, July 16, 2008

1. Oswell Wright Marker (Front Side)

Inscription.
Born in Maryland early 1810's. Bought land in Corydon, May 1849. In November 1857, Kentuckians arrested Wright and two white men, Charles and David Bell; they were indicted and jailed in Kentucky for aiding escape of fugitive slave. Bells rescued in jailbreak 1858. Wright convicted May 1859; completed sentence in kentucky Penitentiary; released June 1864.

Wright, a free black, lost his own freedom for helping a slave escape. Died in Corydon, March 31, 1875.

The Underground Railroad refers to a widespread network of diverse people in the nineteenth century who aided slaves escaping to freedom from the southern U. S.

Erected 2008 by Indiana Historical Bureau, IDNR; Leora Brown School, & Community Unity. (Marker Number 31.2008.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1617.

Location. 38° 12.625′ N, 86° 7.305′ W. Marker is in Corydon, Indiana, in Harrison County. It is on East Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 417 East Chestnut Street, Corydon IN 47112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

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 territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Red Mill – Reasor’s Service Station (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Corydon Post Office (about 800 feet away); Bulleit Ford Garage (about 800 feet away); Bulleit Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); V.H. Bulleit Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bulleit-Hurst Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Beanblossom Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); J. J. Bulleit Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corydon.

Also see . . . Photos of Dedication (Courtesy - Indiana Historical Bureau):. (Submitted on January 20, 2013, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)

Oswell Wright Marker (Back Side) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ginger Drenning, July 16, 2008

2. Oswell Wright Marker (Back Side)

Oswell Wright Marker - Long View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ginger Drenning, July 16, 2008

3. Oswell Wright Marker - Long View

Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,165 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.