The year is 1831. Escaped slave Tice Davids plunges into the mighty Ohio River and swims north to freedom. A boat carrying his master is in pursuit. As he reaches the Ohio bank near Ripley, Davids hides in a thicket. Seeing a lantern in the window of a stately home, he knows there is help to be found there. His former master loses sight of him; throwing up his hands, he says, "It's as if he's gone off on an underground railroad."

Through the dark days of slavery and the contentious fight against it to the Civil Rights movement and into the modern era, Ohio has been a beacon of freedom. This safe haven has fostered the development of world famous authors, amazing artists, brilliant inventors and architects and influential politicians. From station houses on the Underground Railroad to cultural arts centers, Ohio has an abundance of places to explore black history and culture. The African-American experience in Ohio has left an indelible footprint on the people and places that make Ohio a destination with So much to Discover!

To start your own journey to explore Ohio black history, follow one of the links on the left. Provided for you are an interactive map that will help you create your own sojourn of discovery, a listing of powerful and moving attractions and events, some itineraries for discovering Ohio's rich black history, and a list of resources which will help you learn more about Ohio's black history.