Historic Underground Railroad Sites Get National Recognition in Appalachia
Eight important places from the Underground Railroad have been added to a special national list. This happened on May 1 when the National Park Service announced these sites would join their Network to Freedom Program.
One of the most important places is the Gov. Thomas Kirker Family Homestead in Adams County, Ohio. This was a place where people escaping slavery could find help on their journey to freedom.
Nine counties
This recognition is part of a bigger project called the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative, writes the National Park Service in their recent announcement. The project covers nine counties across Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, and aims to create tourism opportunities while preserving important historical places.
Dr. Andrew Feight, who leads research for the initiative, said: “It is exciting to see this Federal investment in the historical assets we have in the tristate region. Our research is recovering important lost chapters of local history that will transform our understanding of the past and help draw interest and visitors to the region.”
The Kirker Homestead was an important station on the Underground Railroad. Governor Thomas Kirker, his wife Sarah and their 13 children actively supported freedom seekers who were trying to escape slavery.
Network of Freedom
Tom Kirker, who currently owns the homestead and represents the sixth generation of the family, shared: “As a member representing the sixth generation of the Kirker Family, it is with great pride that the Kirker Homestead has been selected by the National Park Service to be included in the Network to Freedom. It seems our homestead continuously provides a look back into the history of Adams County, of which we are proud to share.”
The Network to Freedom program started in 1998 and now includes more than 800 places across 41 states. Each site tells a true story about people who escaped slavery or helped others escape.
This project will help bring visitors to the Appalachian region while preserving these important stories of courage and freedom for future generations.
