New Ohio Historical Underground Railroad Trail Includes Stop in Belmont County

The Ohio Department of Development and TourismOhio announced yesterday the launch of a new statewide trail on Ohio.org for history enthusiasts interested in exploring Ohio’s past.  

The Ohio Historical Underground Railroad Trail contains 15 stops across the state, highlighting Ohio’s legacy and involvement with the historic network, and the people who assisted others to freedom from slavery. Included in the tour is the Underground Railroad Museum in Belmont County.

“Belmont County is honored to be included in this statewide tourism initiative highlighting the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing,” said Jackee Pugh, Executive Director of Belmont County Tourism. “Belmont County’s population of anti-slavery Quaker settlers and location along the Ohio river made it an essential part in the Underground Railroad and Abolitionist movement. The Underground Railroad Museum strives to help us all understand slavery and the culture during that period of history.”

On June 14, 2022, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 340 designating September as International Underground Railroad Month. With this passage, Ohio joined 11 other states in honoring this historic movement.  

“It is important that we remember the legacy and impact of the Underground Railroad on this country, as well as Ohio’s prominent role in its operation,” Gov. DeWine said. “We’ve created this new trail to show both visitors and Ohioans how to learn more about Ohio’s history as an important connector on the Underground Railroad.”

The new Ohio Historical Underground Railroad Trail will further this cause, making it even easier for interested visitors to find destinations and organizations related to the movement. 

“There is so much important history in Ohio that,” Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio, said. “The work of the organizations and destinations featured on this map is invaluable to preserving our history, and I’m so glad we get to put them in the spotlight.” 

Additional relevant sites and places of interests also can be found on the map beyond each trail stop, encouraging visitors to extend their stay and explore new branches of Ohio’s Underground Railroad history. 

Those interested in learning more about Ohio’s Underground Railroad legacy can visit the trail’s page at Ohio.org/UGRRTrail.