The Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad at all.  A secret, ever-changing network of hiding places, safe houses and escape routes, the Underground Railroad helped fugitive slaves get to northern states and eventually Canada.  In Ohio, the Underground Railroad was an amazingly efficient and well-organized operation, despite the secrecy that had to be preserved.  Routes through forests, farms and towns were established from one hiding place to the next.  In all, nearly three thousand miles of trails crossed the state and at least 23 points of entry were established along the Ohio River. 

Although few records were kept of the numbers and identities of those persons who reached freedom along the railroad, it has been estimated that at least 40,000 runaway slaves escaped to freedom through Ohio.  While many of the landmarks of the Underground Railroad in Ohio are long gone, we are fortunate to still have the stories of  those notable individuals, religious communities, whole towns and people from all walks of life, including former slaves, who exemplified extraordinary bravery, kindness and hope.