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 Beacon of Freedom - Grand River Lighthouse and Keeper's House in Fairport Harbor, OH
N 41° 45.414 W 081° 16.627
17T E 476962 N 4622822
One of the last stops for many on the railroad. Here they boarded ships bound for Canada and Freedom.
Waymark Code: WM5NFR
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 01/25/2009
Views: 76
Fairport was a known final stop on the Underground Railroad. Not by accident did the lighthouse act as a beacon of freedom to escaped slaves—the townsfolk actively made it one. The sentiment among the citizens was firmly anti-slavery, and the Fugitive Slave Law proved particularly onerous. In 1850, tavern owner Samuel Butler became chairman of a citizens’ group that sought to repeal the law, and soon his Eagle Tavern was a haven for escaping slaves and the headquarters for those willing to help. Anti-slavery captains, seamen, townsfolk, and lighthouse keepers like Isaac Spears colluded to hide the runaway slaves and smuggle them aboard ships bound for Canada. The slaves were frequently hidden in the lighthouse, as Kentucky slave masters canvassed the streets below making vain inquiries. Two other good sites about the history here is: ( visit link) and ( visit link)
Address:
129 Second St.
Fairport Harbor, OH USA
44077
Web site: [Web Link]
Site Details: 1pm to 6pm on Wed, Sat, Sun, and Holidays. Memorial Day to Mid September. $3 entrance fee
Open to the public?: Public
Name of organization who placed the marker: Fairport Harbor Historical Society and the Ohio Historical Society
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Visit Instructions:
Provide an original photo of the building and/or marker, and describe your visit.
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