The underground railroad in columbus

Updated: 10/2019

By Matt Doran

Under the Black Laws passed by the Ohio General Assembly, whites were prohibited from employing blacks who had no proof of freedom, and were mandated to turn in any runaway slaves. In spite of these laws, the Underground Railroad was active in central Ohio. James Poindexter, a barber and minister, led an active network of black conductors on the Underground Railroad. 

The video segments below, from the WOSU Columbus Neighborhoods series, highlight the activities of the Underground Railroad in Downtown Columbus, Clintonville, and Worthington. 
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