North Green | UGRR Marker

North Green | UGRR Marker

On the Green near the clock tower, a marker honors Hudson's role in the anti-slavery movement. This marker, dedicated in May 2000, was erected by the Hudson Library & Historical Society and The Friends of Freedom Society, Ohio Underground Railroad Association.​

Hudson was founded in 1799 by New England pioneers who brought with them a hatred of the institution of slavery. Records indicate that town founder David Hudson (1761-1836) used his home as a station on the Underground Railroad as early as 1826. Early settler Owen Brown (1771-1856) was an active Abolitionist and Underground Railroad "stationmaster," as well as father to abolitionist John Brown (1800-1859), who lived in Hudson for twenty years. It was in Hudson that John Brown famously vowed during a prayer meeting that he would dedicate his life to abolishing slavery. ​

​In the late 1820s, the anti-slavery community in Hudson became heavily divided over what should happen to the freed once slavery ended. Two distinct and passionate factions emerged: The colonizationists believed that the enslaved should be gradually freed and sent to a colony in Africa, while abolitionists argued for immediate emancipation and American citizenship. This contentious debate thrust the town and Western Reserve College into the national spotlight and divided the town. ​

​The following are some of the significant sites in Hudson associated with Hudson's involvement in the anti-slavery movement and the Underground Railroad. The walking tour includes locations in the downtown area close enough for a comfortable walking tour; sites further away include directions. Most are private homes, not open to visitors.​

​This Underground Railroad virtual walking tour is dedicated to the memory of former Hudson Library archivist James Caccamo (1952-2002) in honor of his passion and dedication to this subject. Jim's book and research was instrumental in developing this walking tour.