(The Center Square) – An Illinois task force investigating the state’s ties with the Underground Railroad has presented its findings to the state legislature.
During the years leading up to the Civil War, thousands of slaves were secretly shuttled from the South through Illinois and on to freedom. The report shows there could be as many as 200 sites in Illinois associated with the Underground Railroad, with many of the houses and churches still standing.
William Still, an abolitionist from Philadelphia, is referred to as the “Father of the Underground Railroad” after he helped hundreds of enslaved people escape. Still published a book in 1872 based on notes from interviews with enslaved people he helped.
Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman said the hope is to connect the dots in not only finding physical locations, but also the routes taken by freedom seekers.
“I think the purpose of the state commission that we’re looking for is to be an umbrella, not to take away anything from the fantastic regional projects that are already taking place, but to be an entity that glues the story together and shows the full path, a journey that was required in order to accomplish this,” said Ackerman.
The task force is recommending the creation and funding for the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission. The commission would be tasked with exploring, researching and commemorating the journeys of freedom seekers in the sites in the state that became the networks of the Underground Railroad, and to develop a cohesive statewide plan to promote education and tourism opportunities.
“Despite nationwide efforts to restrict education about our country’s history of racism, Illinois remains committed to shining a light on our past so we can move forward,” said state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria. “Our bipartisan initiative will shed light on Illinois’ historic ties to the Underground Railroad, and honor the brave individuals who fought against slavery and oppression so many years ago.”
