Woodlawn Farm historic site
Underground Railroad Jacksonville Illinois
Photo Credit: Clint Funk

Come explore our historic sites on the Underground Railroad in Jacksonville, Illinois. The Underground Railroad (UGRR) is a term used to describe a secret network of meeting places, routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid-1800’s. It was used by slaves to escape from their slave-holding southern states to the northern states and Canada. I once overheard Valerie, our young Assistant Innkeeper, telling our guests that the Underground Railroad “was not underground, nor was it a railroad!” I suspect she learned that from one of the books she read, and she’s right!

Early Jacksonville was known as a center for abolitionists and those that supported them. It’s not hard to believe that we have several homes identified as safe houses on the Underground Railroad. On one of our first visits to Jacksonville Illinois’ Woodlawn Farm, the centerpiece, we parked a distance away and, looking into a wooded area, tried to imagine what it must have been like to run for one’s life, dependent upon the Lord above, the world around them, and the goodness of strangers.

The juxtaposition of slave shackles on a parlor sofa at Woodlawn Farm historic site
Underground Railroad Jacksonville Illinois

One of the first research papers I wrote as an elementary student was about Harriett Tubman, one of the conductors on the Underground Railroad. She was born into slavery and escaped, eventually leading many others to freedom. Though a heartbreaking time in our history, it’s interesting to read about the way they used clues to find their way.

• They might have known that moss usually grows on the north side of trees.
• It is believed that many used the North Star as a guide. One can find it by looking for the Big Dipper, a constellation that some slaves called “the drinking gourd.”
• Markings were made on dead trees.
• Many learned songs they could repeat to help guide their steps.
  

  Quilt at Woodlawn Farm historic site,
  Underground Railroad Jacksonville Illinois
  Photo Credit: Clint Funk 2018

Some believe that handmade quilts contained special patterns, or codes, that slaves memorized. Since many could not read or write, it is believed that the patterns within the quilt helped escaping slaves receive directions and other messages.

Think about how we plan our travel today. We first chart our route. Depending on what we plan to do, we typically check the weather. We may call or email friends and family to plan to get together. We often buy tickets and make dinner and tour reservations in advance.

Now imagine what it must have been like for those traveling the Underground Railroad, and how desperate they must have been to take such risks. I’m sure they looked for clues regarding the weather, where they could find food, when they might meet friendly supporters, how many miles remained to their next stop, when they were going to have to cross large bodies of water, etc., all while facing ongoing threats from their surroundings, animals and people. What determination that must have required!

There are several connections to the Underground Railroad in Jacksonville, Illinois. The Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau UGRR page states, “In the mid-1800s, Jacksonville, Illinois acted as a hub for the Underground Railroad, sheltering hundreds who wished to escape the horrors of slavery. Several local historic homes served as havens on this journey to freedom, making Jacksonville one of the first such stations in the area, and by far the busiest.”

“Proud, educated abolitionists like Jonathan B. Turner and Edward Beecher, brother to Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, proved to be invaluable advocates for freedom. Edward Beecher was the first president of Illinois College, the first college in Illinois. Because of the strong views of many of the students and faculty, Illinois College was considered an engine of abolitionism. Benjamin Henderson, a former slave, came to Jacksonville in 1841 and immediately began working with the Underground Railroad. These men and countless others kept the spirited torch of freedom burning bright.”

Many homes in the Jacksonville area are believed to be linked to the Underground Railroad. The centerpiece historic site, Woodlawn Farm, offers seasonal tours and special events. Guided tours are available on summer Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1-4pm. UGRR Bus Tours are offered twice a year, and plans are underway for an Abolition/ Underground Railroad Museum to be located in the 1859 Congregational United Church of Christ building. When you come explore the Underground Railroad in Jacksonville, Illinois, be sure to come stay with us at Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast. Put your feet up and relax after a day of touring. We’ll even make your dinner reservations! Clint Funk, one of my regular guests, recently toured Woodlawn Farm, with the caretaker as his guide. His photographs are used throughout this post, with permission.

Special thanks to Clint Funk Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast regular, for sharing his photos with us!

Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast ~ Jacksonville, Illinois
About Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast

Experience a stay in our award-winning Bed & Breakfast located in a magnificently restored 130-year-old mansion in the heart of the historic district. We’re happy to help you plan your tour of the local historic sites. Pampered luxury is our goal, to delight both business and leisure travelers. We offer two upscale guest suites, each with private sitting rooms and private baths. We provide multi-course gourmet breakfasts, 24/7 family-friendly hot and cold beverages and snacks, and cookies and milk at bedtime. Wi-Fi is available throughout our home and each suite has a digital satellite TV and all-season fireplace. We are located just steps away from Illinois College, the Governor Duncan Mansion and Illinois School for the Deaf and our neighborhood is highlighted on one of Jacksonville’s historic walking tours. Escape the standard hotel room and enjoy your own private suite in the finest Jacksonville area lodging. Book direct for the best rates.