Visit Our America

The Haines House, Oh

One of the most visited places in the northern state of Ohio is the Underground Railroad famous for helping people escape slavery in the south.

From the time of its discovery, America was land rich and labor poor. At first they brought indentured servants from other countries, but the Revolution opened new land in the west, the servants just walked away and black slavery was increased. Meanwhile, many in the north were appalled by slavery.

The underground railroad was actually an entire network of trails spanning several states. It went from safe house to safe house, and few abolitionists knew more than to which house they were to send the fugitives next.

Two of these homes are popular tourist attractions in Ohio.

Many slaves escaped by way of The Rankin House which was owned by a Presbyterian minister. So appalled was he, he published, “Letters on American Slavery,” in 1826 and it was read by many in his day. Rankin and his wife were able to hide 12 slaves at a time and he guided them to his home by putting a candle in the window.

The house is located in Ripley, Ohio and is now a museum open to the public from May to October. More information

In 1853, The Haines House became a hiding place for slaves. Haines and his wife were Quaker farmers living near Alliance, Ohio (State Route 183) and they were particularly important to the cause because they received slaves from three different sources. Once it was safe, the Haines’ sent them north to Hudson and Lake Erie. There are many interesting records from that time period referring to Haines and his devotion to the cause.

The Haines house itself has a colorful history. It was sold, turned into a duplex, modernized in 1921 and caught fire in 1941. In 1966, a college instructor restored the home and requested it be listed in the National Register, which it was. Sold again, new owners did some repairs, but owners after that let it decay. In 2000 the house was foreclosed on and many of the antiques were gone. In 2001, the Preservation Society took possession of the House.

The Haines house is currently being restored and is only open the first weekend of the month. Check their website for more information.

If history is important to you, then seeing these two homes in Ohio will not be a disappointment. There are plenty of places to stay the night, eat and take your time learning all there is to know.

By Marti Talbott

Author of Seattle Quake, 9.2, The Aftermath and The Promise
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Brown County (OH) (Images of America)
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Bound for Canaan: The Epic Story of the Underground Railroad, America’s First Civil Rights Movement
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