Take a Ride on the Underground Railroad

Indiana's African-American Heritage

By Carole Witsken

Indiana offers a variety of fun and educational ways to celebrate Black History Month in February. In addition to attending a multitude of statewide events, residents and visitors also can experience history first-hand by visiting some of the Underground Railroad escape routes and stations that still exist in Indiana.

Indiana is one of several states throughout the country where momentum is increasing to preserve the landmarks and stories of the Underground Railroad. Three Indiana sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places:

More than 2,000 slaves reached safety due to the efforts of Quaker abolitionist Levi Coffin and his wife, Catherine. Their eight-room, Federal-style brick home in Fountain City (formerly Newport), Ind., became known as a "Grand Central Station" because of its instrumental role in the Underground Railroad. Fugitive slave traffic was heavy in Newport because three main escape routes converged in the small eastern Indiana town.

A National Historic Landmark, the home is operated by the Levi Coffin House Association and supported through association dues, tour admissions, souvenir sales and the efforts of volunteer guides. The home is open to the public and for scheduled school group tours. Call 765-847-2432 for more information.

Another important Underground Railroad landmark is Eleutherin College in southern Lancaster, Ind. Built between 1854 and 1856, the college is a National Historic Landmark and was the first in Indiana to admit students without regard to race or gender. Three Eleutherian trustees were active in the efforts of the Underground Railroad, making Lancaster a known stop for fugitive slaves traveling from Madison, Ind., to Indianapolis.

From the Greek Eleutheros, meaning "freedom and equality," the school was built atop the highest hill in the area, symbolic of the beliefs of its founders and the community.

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