River-To-Lake Freedom Trail

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has designated portions of U.S. Route 23 and State Route 4 (known as the River-To-Lake Freedom Trail) as a commemorative highway memorializing one of the most frequently used corridors on the Underground Railroad.  

The River-To-Lake Freedom Trail generally follows the present day alignment of U.S. 23 from Portsmouth, along the Ohio River, through central Ohio. North of Marion County the trail follows SR 4 to Sandusky on Lake Erie.

Background

Ohio has an extensive network of trails that the Underground Railroad (UGRR) used as a "transportation system" for anti-slavery activists, free Blacks and churches that helped fugitive slaves flee from the South to Canada. In the 19th century, Ohio had one of the most active UGRR operations in the nation.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater bestowed a federal "Millennial Trails" designation to Ohio's network of escape routes for runaway slaves in 2000. ODOT took the designation one step further and named the River-To-Lake Freedom Trail a commemorative highway.

The highway will feature 10 brass historic markers made in Marietta, Ohio by the Sewah Foundry. Each historic marker contains text that details the significance of the neighboring community and the contributions of local UGRR conductors. Local historians, the Friends of Freedom Society and the State of Ohio Historic Preservation Office collaborated in the research, writing and authentication of the specific historic texts.

The Capitol Square Review Advisory Board, Shawnee State University, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the City of Delaware, the City of Circleville, the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, the City of Sandusky, Bucyrus, Lyme Village and Omar Chappel also assisted in facilitating or donating locations for the River-To-Lake Freedom Trail markers. 

ODOT's Role

ODOT paid for the historic markers and donated the right of way under its control for the markers at safe and tourist-friendly locations. The cost was about $15,500. ODOT also helped secure all other sites that were donated by other parties and coordinated with the site owners.

Marker Locations

Marker Dedications

The first of 10 markers was dedicated on September 22, 2004 at the Ohio Statehouse.  The remaining dedications are noted below.  

Friday, October 8, 2004 at 11 AM - Scioto County in Portsmouth at the Shawnee State University. 

Saturday, October 9, 2004 at 10:30 AM - Pickaway County in Circleville at the Samuel Moore House at 306 Court St. (at the corner of Court and Mound).

Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 1:30 PM - Crawford County in Bucyrus at the Bucyrus City Hall on Route 4. 

Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 3 PM - Seneca County in the Village of Omar at the Omar Chapel on Route 4. 

Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 4:30 PM (after the Harvest Happening celebration) - Huron County in Lyme Village on Route 4 between Routes 20 and 18. 

Friday, October 22, 2004 at 11:00 AM - Ross County at the Scioto Trail State Park.  

Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 2:30 PM - Erie County in Sandusky at the Pier in Shoreline Park.

Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 1:00 PM - Delaware County in the city of Delaware at the entrance to the bike path on William Street. 

News Release 

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS - 1980 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223 http://www.dot.state.oh.us

LT. GOVERNOR DEDICATES COMMEMORATIVE HIGHWAY FOR UNDERGROUND RAILROAD 

First Historic Marker Unveiled at Statehouse

(COLUMBUS - September 22, 2004) Lt. Gov. Jennette Bradley, The Friends of Freedom Society and ODOT officials today unveiled the first historic marker for the Underground Railroad along the newly designated River-To-Lake Freedom Trail Commemorative Highway. The marker is located at the Statehouse.

Ohio had an extensive network of trails the Underground Railroad used as a transportation system to help fugitive slaves flee from the South to Canada. ODOT recently designated portions of U.S. Route 23 and State Route 4, as a commemorative highway, memorializing one of Ohio's most frequently used corridors on the Underground Railroad.

"The River-To-Lake Freedom Trail marks an important chapter of Ohio's history," said Bradley. "Ohio had one of the most active Underground Railroad operations in the nation. The markers will serve as a powerful reminder as we travel throughout Ohio and recall the journey of those in pursuit of freedom."

ODOT will place 10 brass markers along the River-To-Lake Freedom Trail to memorialize the neighboring communities and recognize the contributions of local Underground Railroad conductors. The Friends of Freedom Society played a large role in the marker location selection and development of the text for the markers. Local historians and the State of Ohio Historic Preservation Office also contributed to the project.

"There is a profound relationship between people and place, and trails can enhance that connection to the story of a community; past, present and future. The Friends of Freedom Society is proud to have partnered with ODOT to commemorate Ohio's important role in the Underground Railroad Movement," said Cathy Nelson, Friends of Freedom Society.

ODOT paid for the markers, donated all state-owned right of way and ensured the markers would be placed in safe, tourist friendly locations.

"Our highway network was a vital resource long before it existed as it does today," said ODOT Director, Gordon Proctor. "I am honored we could assist in memorializing Ohio's role in the movement of those on the road to freedom."

The River-To-Lake Freedom Trail generally follows the current alignment of U.S. 23 from Portsmouth, through central Ohio. North of Marion County the trail follows SR 4 to Sandusky. All 10 markers will be in place by the end of October. -30-

For more information contact Lindsay Mendicino, ODOT at (614) 644-6584 or Pieter Wykoff, Lt. Gov. Office at (614) 644-7187.

SM = Service Mark of the Friends of Freedom Society, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 Friends of Freedom Society, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.