News Release
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS - 1980 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
http://www.dot.state.oh.us

LT. GOVERNOR DEDICATES COMMEMORATIVE HIGHWAY FOR UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
First Historic Marker Unveiled at Statehouse

(COLUMBUS – September 22, 2004) Lt. Gov. Jennette Bradley, The Friends of Freedom Society and ODOT officials today unveiled the first historic marker for the Underground Railroad along the newly designated River-To-Lake Freedom Trail Commemorative Highway. The marker is located at the Statehouse.

Ohio had an extensive network of trails the Underground Railroad used as a transportation system to help fugitive slaves flee from the South to Canada. ODOT recently designated portions of U.S. Route 23 and State Route 4, as a commemorative highway, memorializing one of Ohio’s most frequently used corridors on the Underground Railroad.

“The River-To-Lake Freedom Trail marks an important chapter of Ohio’s history,” said Bradley. “Ohio had one of the most active Underground Railroad operations in the nation. The markers will serve as a powerful reminder as we travel throughout Ohio and recall the journey of those in pursuit of freedom.”

ODOT will place 10 brass markers along the River-To-Lake Freedom Trail to memorialize the neighboring communities and recognize the contributions of local Underground Railroad conductors. The Friends of Freedom Society played a large role in the marker location selection and development of the text for the markers. Local historians and the State of Ohio Historic Preservation Office also contributed to the project.

“There is a profound relationship between people and place, and trails can enhance that connection to the story of a community; past, present and future. The Friends of Freedom Society is proud to have partnered with ODOT to commemorate Ohio’s important role in the Underground Railroad Movement,” said Cathy Nelson, Friends of Freedom Society.

ODOT paid for the markers, donated all state-owned right of way and ensured the markers would be placed in safe, tourist friendly locations.

“Our highway network was a vital resource long before it existed as it does today,” said ODOT Director, Gordon Proctor. “I am honored we could assist in memorializing Ohio’s role in the movement of those on the road to freedom.”

The River-To-Lake Freedom Trail generally follows the current alignment of U.S. 23 from Portsmouth, through central Ohio. North of Marion County the trail follows SR 4 to Sandusky. All 10 markers will be in place by the end of October.
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For more information contact Lindsay Mendicino, ODOT at (614) 644-6584 or Pieter Wykoff, Lt. Gov. Office at (614) 644-7187.