Racine County and the Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was a secretive network of people who helped slaves escape to the northern United States, Canada, the Seminole reservation in Florida, Mexico, California and Central America to gain freedom. The network was loosely organized, but incredibly effective. To be a part of this network was to be part of a risky illegal movement.

While on the Underground Railroad, fugitive slaves would travel from southern states and meet conductors at various locations during their escape. The conductors would then bring or direct slaves to stations until they were free. 

Racine County was home to some of those stations. From Racine fugitive slaves would travel either over land or through the harbor via ship to freedom in Canada.

Adapted from Racine Heritage Museum’s exhibit, This Train is Bound for Glory: Racine County’s Underground Railroad

This exhibit was made possible by our generous sponsors:

Institute of Museum & Library Services
The SC Johnson Fund Inc.
Racine Community Foundation
Arch W Shaw Foundation
Racine County

With a special thanks to the following for their time and expertise:

  • Randy Brandt
  • Joan Carr
  • First Presbyterian Church
  • Mark Hertzberg
  • Cecilia Millard
  • Ralph & Judy Paulson
  • Steve Rogstad
  • Betty Stinson
  • Jimmy Thelen
  • Don Vande Sand
  • Steve & Linda Carlson
  • Milton Dockery & Georgann Stinson-Dockery
  • Lance Herdegen
  • Walter MacDonald
  • Andrea Bell Myers
  • Jodi Prudhomme
  • Roosevelt Elementary School Choir
  • Pearline W. Terry
  • Chuck Tyler