Planning a VisitFugitive slaves passed through Lorain County in their search for liberty until about 1861, following Frederick Douglass’s advice to follow the North Star to freedom in Canada. Lorain County provided a direct route to Lake Erie as northern Lorain County borders Lake Erie’s central basin. Canada was said to be a “Promised Land” for escaping slaves however, many felt so safe in the little town of Oberlin that they decided to stay and live out their lives in peace among the safe confines of the town. Some later became anti-slavery activists. Because of the efforts of Oberlin’s anti-slavery movement, no escaping slaves were ever caught in the town and returned to bondage.
Underground Railroad Related Points of Interest on the Back Roads and Beaches Tour
Reverend Ansel Clarke Home , 25600 S.R 58 S, (Huntington-near Findley State Park). Former home of abolitionist and Congregational Minister Ansel Clarke. Private home not open to the public
Oberlin College, (Oberlin). Students and faculty of Oberlin College were especially sympathetic to fugitive slaves. Some joined the Anti-Slavery Society, others actually took part in their rescue and harbor. Fugitive slaves lived openly within the town, finding acceptance and a chance to make a living or obtain higher educational levels. Oberlin formed the Anti-Slavery Society. In 1835 the College trustees agreed blacks should be admitted to the College with the deciding vote cast by president, Rev. John Keep. Oberlin College was also the first college to admit black women. Mary Jane Patterson, the first black women in the world to receive a college degree attended Oberlin College and received her degree in 1862.
Oberlin Heritage Center, 73 South Professor St. (Oberlin). Enjoy the lifestyles and architecture of historic Oberlin in a guided tour of three beautifully preserved buildings that tell the unique, nationally significant story of the community and college in Oberlin from their beginning in 1833 until the 1930s. Learn about abolition and the Underground Railroad and much more. Hours and info.
First Church in Oberlin. Corner of Main and Lorain (Oberlin) Built in 1842. The First Church was the meeting site for the Oberlin Anti-Slavery Society and the site of the funeral for Lee Howard Dobbins, a four year old fugitive slave who died in Oberlin while on his way to freedom in Canada. He is now buried in Westwood Cemetery.
Courtesy of: LCVB
Evans Home, 33 E. Vine St.-Across from Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (Oberlin). Former home of cabinet maker Wilson Bruce Evans. Built in 1856. Evans was a prominent black leader in antebellum years. The home is a National Historic Landmark. Not open to the public.
Station #99, Bardwell House, 181 E. Lorain St., (Oberlin). Former home of missionary and abolitionist Rev. John Bardwell. Fugitive slaves hid under the eaves of the house where sliding panels opened into dark passageways. The home is not open for public tours.
Westwood Cemetery, (Morgan Street, near Plye Rd, Oberlin). Here lie former slaves, famous abolitionists, and many who have become known as Oberlin’s faces of change. The natural beauty and park-like atmosphere combine with its rich history for a reflective and ethereal look into the spirit of the Abolitionist movement. For an Underground Railroad tour map of the cemetery, contact the Lorain County Visitors Bureau, 1-800-334-1673, or download one here.
Black River Landing, (Lorain-Under Bascule Bridge), Believed to be station #100 of the Underground Railroad. Many slaves departed from here to freedom in Canada.
Other Historical Sites along the Route
Harbour Town (Vermilion) The center of historic downtown Vermilion. Community-wide revitalization has been going on since the 1970s to retain the uniqe charm of the community. Many nautical shops and restaurants.
Inland Seas Maritime Museum, 480 Main St. (Vermilion) Museum dedicated to the preservation of Great Lakes history. The museum contains one of the world's largest collections of Great Lakes historical maritime artifacts, documents, ship models, and original artwork.
Black River Historical Society, 309 W. 5th St., (Lorain) The Black River Historical Society is an all-volunteer organization. They were formed in 1981 to preserve the history of the City of Lorain. The Society collects artifacts on the history of Lorain, has numerous paper files on events and people in Lorain and has a collection of over 13,000 historical photographs. Hours and info
Black River Historical Society/Moore House Museum
309 West Fifth StreetLorain, OH 44052
440 245-2563
www.loraincityhistory.org
brhsmoore@centurytel.net
Mon-Fri 10am-4:30pm; Sun 1-4:30pm
This beautifully restored home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contains the collection of the Black River Historical Society. Our permanent collection includes exhibits on the 1924 Lorain Tornado, steel-making and other local industries and businesses, the Lorain Lighthouse, war memorabilia, pictures of famous Lorainites, antique housewares, furniture and toys. Our archives include more than 15,000 photos, plus books and newspaper articles about Lorain.
Shipping available for purchased items.
Riders can fill water bottles at this location.
Cycling attire and cycling shoes are welcome in this facility.
Oberlin Heritage Center
73 ½ S. Professor St.Oberlin, OH 44074
440 774-1700
www.oberlinheritage.org
tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org
Guided Tours: Tue, Thurs, Sat at 10:30am and 1:30am, and other times by appt.
Office and Museum Store and Visitor info hours: Tue-Sat 10am-3pm
Experience beautifully preserved historic sites that tell the powerful stories of this nationally significant community. You’ll learn about the Underground Railroad and abolition, student life, women’s history, the development of aluminum, decorative arts, and see an 1890s bicycle and more while visiting two historic houses and a pioneer era one-room school house.
Shipping available for purchased items.
Riders can fill water bottles at this location.
Cycling attire and cycling shoes are welcome in this facility.
Specific directions from bike path: Exit bike path at South Professor Street (the Jewett House); turn right into Conservatory of Music parking lot and go to the back of the parking lot where you will find a bike rack and the entrance to the brick Italiante style Monroe House where the Oberlin Heritage Center office and museum store are located and where the tour begins.
