Kate, Henry & others,

Perhaps we're off to a good start in this discussion. At least we all agree on some aspects of the UGRR and the study of its history. (that is good, ain't it ??)

i agree compeletly, we do need to be ever so thankful for what has been written by whomever and we are forever in those writers debt. We also need to be critical readers and thinkers, for there was/has been a tremendous amount of embellishment in recording this history.

In my opinion the "interstate" stories have been somewhat neglected. I know my research has centered on western Ohio & eastern Indiana to my detriment in an understanding of the "BIG" UGRR story. That is/was my primary reason for becoming a member of the Friends of Freedom/Ohio Underground Railroad Association (FOFS/OURA). At least the experience with FOFS/OURA has widened my exposure to the State of Ohio, including Henry's (and my wife's) beloved SE Ohio.

A classic example of the interstate Underground/Overground slave "trafficking" are the studies being done by Ser Boxley and his "Forks of the Road" project in Mississippi. His work points out that one of the overlooked routes is from the Upper South (VA & MD) through what is now West Virginia and Kentucky down the Ohio River (and yes through Cincinnati) to the Mississippi River and then to Delta. The "River Jordan" (Ohio river) was a two-way thing. Being "sold down south" was not just overland coffles from the south to the deeper south.

I truly welcome this discussion and will be more than willing to "curb" my regionalism , if it helps to get a broader, more truthful, more factual, more inclusive picture of the UGRR presented.

What y'all think?

Art