Monteith Hall - Elyria, Ohio
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 41° 21.950 W 082° 06.226
17T E 407685 N 4579956
Historic house which served as station along the Underground Railroad in Elyria, Ohio.
Waymark Code: WM4MK2
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 09/07/2008
Views: 33
Monteith Hall
Monteith Hall was built in 1835 as the residence of Reverend John Monteith
(1788-1868) and family. Before coming to Elyria as the first
superintendent of the new high school, Rev Monteith was an educator and minister
in Detroit, Michigan. He was instrumental in founding the University of
Michigan, originally located in Detroit, and became its first president.
William Gates, Rev. Monteith's grandson, enlarged Monteith Hall in 1897.
Monteith Hall was a station on the Underground railroad on the route that
extended from Oberlin. A tunnel, which ran from the basement of the home
to the Black River, was used to help slaves escape to the shore of Lake Erie.
Rev. Monteith managed the network on the southern shore of Lake Erie, and aided
fugitive slaves in boarding ships to cross the lake to Canada. - Text of
historical marker
The Classical Revival styled house was designed by Frank B. Meade and is now
owned and operated by the Elyria Womans Club. Tours are available by
appointment only.