Have you ever heard about the Underground Railroad in Cleveland? Following the opening of the Ohio & Erie Canal, Cleveland became a major player in the Underground Railroad. The city was codenamed “Hope,” and it was an important destination for escaped slaves on their way to Canada. Today, some of the city’s most notable stops on the Underground Railroad still stand, and they’re well worth a visit.

1. The Cozad-Bates House
Cozad Bates House, 11508 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Christopher Busta-Peck/Wikimedia Commons
The Cozad–Bates House is a remarkable structure in University Circle, as it's noticeably the oldest. It's the only surviving pre-Civil War structure in the neighborhood; University Circle was a region overflowing with abolitionists, with the Cozad family taking particular interest in assisting runaway slaves. Their stunning Italianate home must have provided plenty of places to hide. This is one of many historic Cleveland landmarks that entrance visitors to this day!
2. Unionville Tavern
Unionville Tavern, 7935 S Ridge Rd, Madison, OH 44057, USA
LeeG7144/Wikimedia Commons
The oldest parts of this structure date back to 1798, making it the oldest surviving tavern in Ohio. What is truly incredible about this structure; however, is its collection of stories that have taken place on the premises. Once upon a time, it was an active station on the Ohio Underground Railroad. From the tavern, the slaves would be taken to the Ellensburgh docks where they could taste freedom as they crossed the border to Canada.

It's said that when Harriet Beecher Stowe lodged at the site, she heard the story of two fugitive slaves, Lewis and Milton Clarke, that spoke at a nearby abolitionist rally. Milton was captured and beaten, but, fortunately, local abolitionists freed him from his captors. The abolitionists then swore that no fugitive slaves would ever be captured again in Lake County. It's said that Stowe was inspired by Milton and based the character George Harris in Uncle Tom's Cabin after him. Nowadays, the Unionville Tavern is one of the oldest buildings in the Midwest.
3. Don's Pomeroy House
Don's Pomeroy House, 13664 Pearl Rd, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
Don's Pomeroy House/Facebook
This stunning building dates back to 1835, and it has maintained a long history of welcoming guests. Though a restaurant today, it was once home to a family of abolitionists. Justice of the Peace Alanson Pomeroy, who built the house, would open it as a station on the Ohio Underground Railroad just a handful of years later. Runaway slaves would hide in the cellar, and they were often transported via a load of hay to a boat that would take them to Canada. Today, modern visitors enjoy endless hospitality and delicious meals while soaking up the history at Don's Pomeroy House.
4. Rider's Inn
Riders Inn, 792 Mentor Ave, Painesville, OH 44077, USA
evarett/TripAdvisor
This stunning structure looks exactly like the kind of place you'd expect to find a mystery or two, and that is thanks in part to a long history that dates back to 1812. It's also partly because this site was seemingly involved in every early social movement, operating as a safe haven on the Underground Railroad and even a speakeasy during Prohibition. This stagecoach stop must have had plenty of places where fugitives could stow away.

Speaking of mysteries, it's worth noting that this site is purportedly haunted. You just might encounter a spirit or two during your visit at Rider's Inn!

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5. Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum
Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, 1603 Walnut Blvd, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA
Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum Online
This home-turned-museum is just like any other early 1840s home, and that made it an unsuspecting site on the Ohio Underground Railroad. William Hubbard and his family moved to the area and became involved with the Ashtabula County Anti-Slavery Society almost immediately. William's brothers had already been active in the area, and they had jointly helped establish the abolitionist periodical Ashtabula Sentinel. William, eager to help out, established his homestead as a station on the Underground Railroad. Eyewitness reports from the era explain that fugitives visited the homestead all day and night seeking help, and the Hubbards were always welcoming and willing.

Since the house is so close to Lake Erie, this was a final stop for many fugitive slaves before they finally made their getaway to Canada and found their freedom. Today, you can explore stories just like these at this Underground Railroad museum near Cleveland.
6. St. John's Episcopal Church
St. John's Episcopal Church, 2600, Church Ave W 26th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Martin Linsey/Wikimedia Commons
This stunning structure, which dates back to the 1830s, is considered to be the oldest consecrated church in Cuyahoga County. According to local legend, runaway slaves hid in the bell tower and awaited signals from the lake alerting them to a safe passage. The Episcopal Church; however, did not split between Northern and Southern issues. It simply stayed out of the conflict, so one must wonder what member of this congregation opened the church to refugees. Soon after the Civil War concluded, the wooden interior of the church was largely destroyed by a fire. Despite the destruction, St. John's Episcopal Church is still beautiful to this day.
7. Spring Hill Historic Home
Spring Hill Historic Home & Underground Railroad Site, 1401 Springhill Ln NE, Massillon, OH 44646, USA
Spring Hill Historic Home/Facebook
This stunning structure is unlike any other in the area, and its stand-out architecture and special events make it a site of congregation to this day. This charming site was built in 1821 for a Quaker couple that was known to be active on the Ohio Underground Railroad. The Rotch family hid slaves in the basement of their kitchen and in the second story. Despite attempts, no slaves were ever captured during their stay at Spring Hill. Thinking about staying the night in this area of Ohio? Check out this carriage house in Massilon.
8. Rush R. Sloane House
430 E Adams St, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Nyttend/Wikimedia Commons
The Rush R. Sloane House is gorgeous, even in this picture which was taken prior to its restoration (it's yellow now, if you're wondering). When Sloane purchased the house in 1854, it was already a few years old. While in Sandusky, Sloane studied law and frequently worked with abolitionist lawyer F.D. Parish. In one of Sloane's more daring abolitionist acts, he challenged local law enforcement after they arrested fugitive slaves at the demands of men claiming to be their owners. Law enforcement sided with Sloane, and they let the fugitives go. When one of the men displayed ownership papers, Sloane was tried in court and fined $3,000 plus $1,330.30 in court and attorney fees. Long after the Civil War concluded and after his picturesque home was used as a station on the Underground Railroad, Sloane was elected mayor of Sandusky in 1879. Another interesting spot in Sandusky? Check out the Merry-Go-Round Museum.

Northeast Ohio is overflowing with history, and much of it is preserved in local legend. If walls could talk, the stories we’d hear of the Cleveland Underground Railroad would be incredible. Few conductors ever kept records or notes hinting at their activities, so many sites on the Underground Railroad and the true number of how many fugitives they assisted remain a bit of a mystery.

What is your favorite historical site in Ohio? Tell us in the comments!

Love wading through the secrets of local history? Check out our article on unusual facts about Cleveland to learn more!

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More to Explore

Historic and Beautiful Ohio

Rachel Raimondi | December 25, 2022

What are the oldest attractions in Ohio?

Settled in 1788, Ohio has had quite a bit of history. Here are some of the oldest attractions in Ohio:

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum: Located in Fremont, you can visit the 19th president’s former home which is now a museum.

Lanterman’s Mill: The gristmill on this site was first built in 1845. Although the current one is now the third here, it still runs today, grinding wheat, buckwheat, and corn.

Newark Earthworks: Located in Heath, you can see earthworks that were constructed between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D. by the Hopewell culture.

What are the most beautiful places in Ohio?

 There is a lot to see within the Buckeye State’s 44,825 square miles. Here are some of the most beautiful places in Ohio:

Hocking Hills Park: Located in Logan, this 2,000-acre park is full of gorgeous waterfalls and caves. Check them out via 59 miles of trails. You can also camp here or attend one of the many events held throughout the year.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: This is the state’s only national park. Among its over 50 square miles, its most popular (and beautiful) attractions include Brandywine Falls and Ledges Trail.

Ohio Caverns: Over in West Liberty, you can head underground and take in two miles of caverns. It is estimated that an underground river helped formed it thousands of years ago. Today, you can take in the unique crystal formations, stalactites, and stalagmites for yourself.

What is the oldest city in Ohio? 

Established in 1788, the city of Marietta in Washington County is the oldest in the state. And while it has been quite some time since it was first founded, the town keeps its history alive. You can tour the home of one of its founders, Rufus Putnam at the Campus Martius Museum. And within the town’s downtown area, you view historic buildings while you shop and dine. Other must-sees activities in Marietta include the Ohio River Museum, the historic Lafayette Hotel, Mound Cemetery, and much more.

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