Before and during the Civil War, the Underground
Railroad in Illinois played a major role in guiding runaway slaves from the
states where they were governed by the whip and gun to the states where
they were governed by their free will. To share that story in detail, the
Sangamon County Historical Society is sponsoring a guided bus tour that
will visit historical sites involved in the Underground Railroad movement.
Limited seating is available.
The tour will leave the parking lot of the Stratton
Building, on Edwards Street between Pasfield and Spring streets, at 7:30
a.m. Saturday, May 21. A brief stop in Griggsville will give riders a
chance to sample the home-style cuisine found only in the purple-martin
capital of the nation before proceeding to the Quincy home that belonged to
Connecticut-born abolitionist Dr. Richard Eells. Just a few blocks east of
the Mississippi River, this house was the first haven on the trek north
from Missouri. Often slaves and guides would arrive in the middle of the
night and stay just briefly before being escorted to other homes farther
into free territory.
The tour will walk a block to the Gardner Museum of
Architecture and Design, where a local historian will further describe the
role Quincy played during those troubled years. Special arrangements have
been made with nearby O’Grigg’s Irish Pub and Restaurant for
lunch and as a meeting point for those who simply want to wander the area
shops around the town square.
Jacksonville played a major role in the Underground
Railroad. Several historic homes in the city still show evidence of their
vital service. The Woodlawn Farm house, east of the city, is being restored
as a memorial to the Underground Railroad. A nearby creek bed is the same
one traveled in the early 1860s by runaways trying to remain hidden from
view by local citizens, whose reactions were not always helpful. The
restoration of the house into a true museum is well under way, and the
volunteer staff promises to shed much light on almost forgotten days.
The bus will return to the Stratton parking lot by 5:
45 p.m.
The Underground Railroad Tour starts at 7:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 21, at the parking lot of the Stratton Building. The cost is $30
for Sangamon County Historical Society members, $35 for nonmembers. Call
217-522-2500 before 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 20, to learn about seat
availability or, if you feel lucky, arrive early Saturday with fare in hand.
This article appears in May 19-25, 2005.
