Illinois Underground Railroad task force releases findings

SPRINGFIELD — A task force created by a 2023 law to explore ways chronicle Illinois' Underground Railroad history announced its findings on Tuesday, recommending the state create a commission that would organize historical sites and stories about the network.

"Too many in Illinois believe we need to travel to the East Coast to visit locations on the Underground Railroad, unaware of the enormous activity that took place in their own backyards here," task force member and Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman said.

The task force found there could be at least 200 sites in Illinois that are part of the network, and while the history of some is well researched, little is known about others.

Task force members said they are still unsure what a network of sites and stories will look like. It could include sites open to tourists while other sites remain private property. The proposed commission would also be focused on preserving sites for history. While Illinois often gets attention for Abraham Lincoln's role in ending slavery, task force members said it's important to preserve the stories of "uncelebrated" residents who helped fleeing slaves achieve freedom.

"We're very encouraged that by creating a commission, this will really enable us to connect the dots (of) journeys, locations, responses and remarkable courage across the state," said former Governors State University professor and task force member Larry McClellan.

Between 4,500 and 7,000 people travelled through Illinois, according to some historical estimates, as part of the Underground Railroad, McClellan said. The journey was often dangerous, particularly in the southern part of the state where escaped slaves risked capture and return to slavery in the South.

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