UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

 

The "Underground Railroad" passed through the western portion of Green township, and had many stations on its line. It existed for the purpose of aiding slaves to escape from the slave States to the Eastern States or Canada.

One of its prin­cipal stations in Green township was in the Pinkerton and Carnahan neighborhood, which had a wide notoriety under the cognomen of "Nigger Ridge." Negro slaves did not have much trouble passing over this line after the rebellion was inaugurated, as all signs indicated slavery was doomed.

Between 1845 and 1861 slave-hunters from Missouri with bloodhounds often landed at the river towns and proceeded into the interior to intercept, if possible, the fugitives. Some of these parties, at times, after landing at Keithsburg, employed guides and made a beeline for "Nigger Ridge," but on arriving there generally found the train had just passed, and the station was closed.

Those who were "station masters" in those days have all passed away, but their descendants, still living in that neighborhood, can give graphic accounts of the excitement which the passing of a fugitive would create, as he was swiftly borne away beyond the scent of the bloodhounds.

 

Historical Encyclopeida of Illinois

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Illinois Ancestors

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