

Edit Mode: Add or remove places and events to this , then click done editing:
Done Editing

0
Stops
THE SETTING
Today, you can drive a straight line from Battle Creek to Jackson to Detroit via Interstate 94. But try riding by wagon back in 1850 when the line was not so straight or free. By night, the journey was a network of meandering dirt roads, mud, woods, wolves, and bounty hunters. If you were a runaway slave or someone sympathetic to their plight, it was more than dangerous. It could be deadly. During the decades leading up to the American Civil War, Jackson, Michigan was both hub and haven for thousands of slaves escaping through a human network called the Underground Railroad. The ultimate destination (usually Canada) for slaves on the route varied by slave and guide, but it was always considered “the land of freedom” and was sought by slaves one night, one mile, and one act of kindness at a time.
Several community leaders and families in Jackson secretly housed, clothed, fed and reassured runaways, while others supportive of the business of slavery openly hunted and punished escaped slaves or anyone aiding their flight. Some northerners went so far as to capture blacks and return them to servitude. Not every slave on the Underground Railroad escaped. The lines drawn between northern and southern states (and attitudes) weren't as clear or simple as the lines on maps in history books. The Underground spread out on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. It was a railroad built of humanity and constantly under the threat of ignorance.
Our hometown of Jackson can proudly say it was a key stopping point for runaways on their way to a new life. This is the story of one slave who sought and found freedom with the help of friendly faces — true Americans and pioneers of Jackson (1810-1850).
As you visit each location be sure to stay safe and keep you eyes on the path ahead and obey all traffic laws.
In development of this tour, focus was placed on verbiage accurate to the time and way of life during the era of the Underground Railroad. The terms being used in the story were reviewed, and feedback from many members of our community was provided for consideration. The feedback received recommended the verbiage to stay true to the language and culture of this time in America's history.
Beginning in downtown Jackson, this tour will take you to historic places around the city. Jackson, formerly known as Jacksonburg, was a hub for the Underground Railroad traveling across Michigan. The stops are all centered in downtown Jackson but the entire county is rich with history.
On this tour you will hear a story that was inspired by actual events. Henry "Rufus" Evans was not a documented slave, but the story of his travels and time in Jacksonburg makes it easy to imagine what escaping slaves had to deal with during the 1800s.
Today, you can drive a straight line from Battle Creek to Jackson to Detroit via Interstate 94. But try riding by wagon back in 1850 when the line was not so straight or free. By night, the journey was a network of meandering dirt roads, mud, woods, wolves, and bounty hunters. If you were a runaway slave or someone sympathetic to their plight, it was more than dangerous. It could be deadly. During the decades leading up to the American Civil War, Jackson, Michigan was both hub and haven for thousands of slaves escaping through a human network called the Underground Railroad. The ultimate destination (usually Canada) for slaves on the route varied by slave and guide, but it was always considered “the land of freedom” and was sought by slaves one night, one mile, and one act of kindness at a time.
Several community leaders and families in Jackson secretly housed, clothed, fed and reassured runaways, while others supportive of the business of slavery openly hunted and punished escaped slaves or anyone aiding their flight. Some northerners went so far as to capture blacks and return them to servitude. Not every slave on the Underground Railroad escaped. The lines drawn between northern and southern states (and attitudes) weren't as clear or simple as the lines on maps in history books. The Underground spread out on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. It was a railroad built of humanity and constantly under the threat of ignorance.
Our hometown of Jackson can proudly say it was a key stopping point for runaways on their way to a new life. This is the story of one slave who sought and found freedom with the help of friendly faces — true Americans and pioneers of Jackson (1810-1850).
As you visit each location be sure to stay safe and keep you eyes on the path ahead and obey all traffic laws.
In development of this tour, focus was placed on verbiage accurate to the time and way of life during the era of the Underground Railroad. The terms being used in the story were reviewed, and feedback from many members of our community was provided for consideration. The feedback received recommended the verbiage to stay true to the language and culture of this time in America's history.
Beginning in downtown Jackson, this tour will take you to historic places around the city. Jackson, formerly known as Jacksonburg, was a hub for the Underground Railroad traveling across Michigan. The stops are all centered in downtown Jackson but the entire county is rich with history.
On this tour you will hear a story that was inspired by actual events. Henry "Rufus" Evans was not a documented slave, but the story of his travels and time in Jacksonburg makes it easy to imagine what escaping slaves had to deal with during the 1800s.
Quit bugging me about signing up! Continue Planning as a guest