The Hudson Underground Railroad
Ella Haas and Josie Spano
Introduction
In the commencement address to the Western Reserve College Class of 1854 given by Frederick Douglass, he eloquently brings the ideas of geography, knowledge, and humanity to each and every member of the audience on the summer day of July 12th, along with many other claims.
“It is somewhat remarkable, that, at a time when knowledge is so generally diffused, when the geography of the world is so well understood—when time and space, in the intercourse of nations, are almost annihilated—when oceans have become bridges — the earth a magnificent hall — the hollow sky a dome — under which a common humanity can meet in a friendly concave — when nationalities are being swallowed up — and then ends of the earth brought together — I say it is remarkable — nay, it strange that there should arise a phalanx of learned men — speaking in the name of science to forbid the magnificent reunion of mankind in one brotherhood.”
Inspired by Frederick Douglass' 1854 Commencement Speech at Western Reserve College.
The Underground Railroad was a connection of secret routes, safe houses, and abolitionists to aid enslaved African Americans to free states and to Canada. Created by Quaker abolitionist Isaac T. Hopper in the early 1800s, this secret escape route continued to help slaves break free of their owners until the end of the Civil War in 1865. In the end, this network helped guide over one hundred thousand enslaved people to freedom. Many routes extended into Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio. One important stop on the Underground Railroad for many enslaved people included Hudson, Ohio. From being involved in the Underground Railroad, to fighting against slavery, and Frederick Douglass' Commencement Speech at Western Reserve College on July 12th, 1854, the city of Hudson, Ohio not only has a rich history of abolitionism but also was the home of countless influential people who changed the course of history.
To help gain a better understanding of the Underground Railroad, it helps to put yourself "in the shoes" of a runaway slave by hearing their story. John G. Bacon was the owner of a slave by the name of John Price in Mason County, Kentucky. John Price was able to flee from slavery and eventually made his way to Oberlin, Ohio. Although his exact route is not known, it was common for slaves to take a zigzag pattern, potentially taking John Price through Hudson, Ohio.
The Possible Route of John Price, an escaped slave.
The Underground Railroad at a large scale.
At a smaller scale, this was Ohio's Underground Railroad.
Even though it is not certain, John Price would have stumbled upon many abolitionists and stations on the Underground Railroad in Hudson, Ohio. This is highly possible because Hudson was the second most used station in Summit County due to its central location. Continue scrolling to learn about the people and homes of Hudson, Ohio involved in the Underground Railroad.
