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James A. Garfield National Historic Site Receives National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom Site Designation

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Published Date

December 5, 2017

The James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Ohio has been designated as a contributing site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.  This determination has been made based on the significant contribution the site makes to the understanding of the Underground Railroad in American history. 

The Garfield home in Mentor was not a stop on the Underground Railroad; rather, James A. Garfield is documented as having participated in at least two instances of aiding African Americans who were crossing through Ohio while fleeing slavery, making the National Historic Site eligible for inclusion on the Network to Freedom.  Garfield’s anti-slavery sentiments and writings; Union army service during the Civil War; and long record of support for African American civil rights during his Congressional career also helped bolster the site’s case for inclusion.

“We are thrilled and honored to have James A. Garfield National Historic Site listed on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom,” said Site Manager Todd Arrington.  “This is a wonderful recognition of Garfield’s long support for the abolition of slavery as well as the civil rights of the formerly enslaved during his time in Congress.  President Garfield addressed civil rights during his inaugural address, reminding the nation that while much had been accomplished in this area during the Civil War and Reconstruction, there was still a great deal of work to be done.  How much more progress he might have made on civil rights is just one more tragic ‘what if’ about his assassination.”

“It has been my desire to see President James A. Garfield recognized for his Underground Railroad contributions for some time,” added Deanda Johnson, the National Park Service’s Midwest regional coordinator for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.  “I am glad it is now a reality.  Garfield’s life, while cut tragically short, was one of considerable impact, and his involvement in the struggle to end slavery only underscores this.”

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom is administered by the National Park Service.  It coordinates preservation and education efforts nationwide and integrates historical places, museums, and interpretive programs association with the Underground Railroad into a mosaic of community, regional, and national stories.  The Network also facilitates communication and networking between researchers and interested parties and aids in the development of statewide organizations for preserving and researching Underground Railroad sites.  

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