Freedom and The Fight Tour

Explore the land of liberty and learn about the legacies that made it possible. This tour highlights southwest Ohio's Underground Railroad and Civil War attractions. Stroll through the rolling hills of Clermont County along the Ohio River, visiting significant stops of freedom, historical attractions and museums . Tour includes sites on the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail, a guide to the Underground Railroad and Abolitionist locations in Clermont County. The Freedom Trail contains one of the nation's largest Network to Freedom Programs with 19 approved sites listed on the tour.

START	9:00 AM	Rankin House Museum - or Ripley Area6152 Rankin Hill Rd, Ripley, Ohio ~ 937-392-1627Located at the top of Liberty Hill overlooking the Ohio River, this National Historic Landmark was the home of Rev. John Rankin and his family. On the long journey to freedom, many fugitive slaves found aid and comfort at the Rankin home. The home and grounds are open for tour, special guide arrangements are available for groups.


DRIVE BY	10:00 AM	Meldahl Locks and Dam
		US 50
	Allow 10 minutes	It’s fun to watch the river barges make their way though the locks. This massive structure spans the Ohio River between Chilo, Ohio and Foster, Kentucky, located about 35 miles upstream from Cincinnati. The site offers picnic shelters and public restrooms.
DRIVE BY	10:19 AM	Will Sleet Home Site
		411 Harrison St, Felicity, Ohio
		#14 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure and also an official Network to Freedom site. On this site once was the residence of Will Sleet and his family. Will was Clermont County's only documented Afro-American conductor on the Underground Railroad and was specifically mentioned by Peter Stokes in his escape narrative.
DRIVE BY	10:20 AM	Felicity Wesleyan Church
		305 Main St, Felicity, Ohio
		This is #13 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure and is an official Network to Freedom site. As with other churches involved with the Underground Railroad and abolitionist activities many of the members were abolitionist or involved in some way as well.
ARRIVE	10:21 AM	Felicity Cemetery
		Light St, Felicity, Ohio
	Allow 10 minutes	The Felicity Cemetery is #17 in the Freedom Trail brochure. This cemetery holds the burial sites of Oliver Perry Spencer Fee and Arthur Fee, cousins to Greg Fee, noted Kentucky abolitionist and to the Fee's of Moscow who are also detailed in the Clermont Freedom Trail. Both Oliver and Arthur Fee were very active in the Underground Railroad and abolitionist societies. As the tour proceeds through Felicity and then to Moscow you will hear the Fee name quite often.
DRIVE BY	10:21 AM	O.P.S. Fee Store
		208 Main St, Felicity, Ohio
		#16 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure. This was once the store of Oliver Perry Spencer Fee. O.P.S. Fee fed and clothed fugitive slaves at this location. OPS Fee had built up his reputation as being pro-slavery and was often called upon by slave-hunters for assistance. While aiding and harboring fugitive slaves himself, he directed hunters in the opposite direction to give escapees time to get to their next stop.
DRIVE BY	10:33 AM	Andrew Powell Home Site
		416 Union St, Felicity, Ohio
		This is the Andrew Powell Home Site, # 15 in your Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure. As stated in the brochure, Andrew Powell was an extremely wealthy businessman, who helped fugitive slaves by transporting them in his lavished private carriage.
DRIVE BY	10:34 AM	Arthur Fee Home Site
		1 Moores Lane, Felicity, Ohio
		On this lot was once the residence of Arthur Fee, #18 in the Freedom Trail publication. Arthur, who's burial site was visited earlier in the Felicity Cemetery, was a simple man, choosing the only text of "Arthur Fee tried to be a good man" on his burial marker. However the complex involvement and activities of the Underground Railroad proved to be by his convictions. Arthur Fee kept fugitives hidden in his fruit cellar before he secured their transportation further into Bethel. Now on to Moscow where the Fee cousins lived and operated within the Underground Railroad network.
DRIVE BY	10:51 AM	Robert E. Fee Burial Site ~ Moscow Cemetery
		US 52, Moscow Ohio
		This is #8 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail publication and is an official Network to Freedom site. The burial place of Robert E. Fee can be found in this Cemetery. Robert E. Fee was very active in the Underground Railroad, along with his father, sister, brother and cousins.
DRIVE BY	10:54 AM	Fee Villa
		110 Water St, Moscow, Ohio
		#10 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure, this was once the home of Thomas Fee, Jr., Robert's brother. Through years of oral tradition this home came to be known as the "Fee Villa". The home and store of Thomas Fee, Jr. and his family. Located right on the Ohio River fugitive slaves were brought here on their way to Levi Coffin in Cincinnati. The Fee's would feed and clothe fugitive slaves from the store supplies.
		In the mid 1970's two Catholic priests were living in the building and found shackles and chains in the basement. Also found in the basement, is an entrance to a room like structure blocked with lined limestone. According to oral tradition, this was an entrance to a tunnel. In the brick house across the street, known as the Spatt House, there is an identical structure located in the basement, and is in perfect alignment with the Fee Villa.
DRIVE BY	10:58 AM	Robert E. Fee Home Site
		Water and Wells St, Moscow, Ohio
		Suggested Script: This is #9 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure and also an official Network to Freedom site. Now owned by the Village of Moscow and made into this park; on this site once stood the home of Robert E. Fee. As you can see from the depiction in the brochure, this was a grand home - made of brick and overlooking the Ohio River. Robert E. Fee lived in this home with his wife, Catherine Ebersole, who was the sister of Underground Railroad Conductor, Jacob Ebersole. The foundation of the house still remains on the site, and is being preserved as a remembrance for his abolitionist dedication and involvement in the Underground Railroad.
ARRIVE	11:04 AM	US Grant's Birthplace,
		1551 St. Rt. 232, Pt. Pleasant ~ 513-553-4911
		www.historicnewrichmond.org
	Allow 30 minutes	The birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant, great Civil War General and 18th President of the United States, is on the National Register of Historic Places. A basic 3-room frame structure was built in 1817. The home includes historic memorabilia and period furnishings. The grounds and park lend nicely to picnic lunch outings; tables and restroom facilities available. A guided tour of the museum with historical oration is available. Contact the museum to make arrangements for groups or specific dates.
DRIVE BY	11:39 AM	Clermont/Parker Academy
		1324 Clermontville Laurel Rd, Clermontville, Ohio
		This site is #7 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure. The Clermont/Parker Academy was a bi-racial coed school. Many of the plantation owners from across the river sent their bi-racial children to this school. Local abolitionist also sent their children here. Over 1500 students attended the school over the 50 year period of service.
		The original school structure has been taken down some time ago, however the dorm housing of the school still stands and is now a private residence. On more than one occasion school was interrupted by hunters searching for escaped slaves, however no evidence has shown that the school had any involvement in aiding or hiding fugitives.
DRIVE BY	11:48 AM	Rev. Light HS - The Landing Restaurant
		401 Front St, New Richmond, Ohio
		#1 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail publication. This was once the home of Reverend George C. Light. Reverend Light was a Methodist Minister and agent of the American Colonization Society. The American Colonization Society was formed in 1816, for the purpose of voluntarily relocating free blacks to Africa. Rev. George Light was a surveyor for the county and served as a representative to the state legislature. Rev. Light was also the nephew of the founder of New Richmond, Jacob Light. Part of this building is now a family operated restaurant.
DRIVE BY	11:51 AM	Dr. John Rodgers Home
		305 Front St, New Richmond, Ohio
		This is site #2 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure. It was once the home of Dr. John Rogers, physician who delivered Ulysses S. Grant in Pt. Pleasant, on April 27th in 1822. Dr. Rogers was married to Julia Morris, daughter of, known abolitionist, United States Senator Thomas Morris. Rogers was also an active abolitionist, and was the first president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society. He served on the vigilante group protecting the Philanthropist Newspaper office during its production in New Richmond.
DRIVE BY	11:53 AM	New Richmond Waterfront
		Front St., New Richmond, Ohio
		This is site #3 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail publication and an official Network to Freedom site. New Richmond, being a riverfront community, was an active port in the 1800's. This hotspot of riverboat shipments, was useful for the escaping fugitives and those that assisted them. In one case, an escaped slave named "Joe" was shipped in a crate from Louisville, Kentucky to a friend's family in New Richmond. Joe stayed briefly with the family until moving on to Levi Coffin, in Cincinnati, and from there onto freedom in Canada.
DRIVE BY	11:56 AM	The Philanthropist Newspaper
		Walnut St., New Richmond, Ohio
		#4 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure and a Network to Freedom site. This was once the office location of the "Philanthropist Newspaper". Published by James G. Birney, the Philanthropist Newspaper was known as an outspoken opponent of slavery and the official paper of the Ohio Anti-Slavery Society. Due to its highly controversial point of view, the paper received many negative threats requiring a local community group to guard the paper's office. (Souvenir newspaper replicas are available for nominal donation, contact the CCCVB for more information)
ARRIVE	11:57 AM	Cranston Memorial Presbyterian Church
		Corner of Union and Washington St., New Richmond, Ohio
		#5 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure. As most know, churches had great involvement in the spread of abolitionist views and was supportive, if not involved, in the Underground Railroad. This church in particular hosted a number of organizational meetings for the New Richmond Anti-Slavery Society and speakers of great importance to the Underground Railroad such as: George Beecher, John Rankin and Alexander T. Rankin. The current church congregation is quiet proud of their abolitionist heritage and will open the building for groups to tour and/or use the facilities for reception of light refreshments. Contact the Clermont CVB for more information.
LUNCH	12:13 PM	Rev. Light HS - The Landing Restaurant
		401 Front St, New Richmond, Ohio ~ 513-583-1488
		Enjoy a nice hometown lunch at the Landing Restaurant, #1 on the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail! This quaint bar & grill has an menu with variety to meet anyone's taste buds! Call ahead for group reservations
or LUNCH	12:13 PM	Joe's Place Restaurant
		Front St., New Richmond, Ohio
	Allow 1 hour	This building has served as a home, a stove store, a car showroom, a bank and now a restaurant. A great stop for lunch! The restaurant has a variety on the menu but is especially known for the unique entrees of Buffalo meat.
ARRIVE	1:41 PM	Tate Township Cemetery
		East St, Bethel, Ohio
	Allow 10 minutes	The Tate Township Cemetery is #20 in the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail brochure and is an official Network to Freedom site. The cemetery contains the burial sites of four gentlemen, who were very active in the Underground Railroad. Benjamin Rice; Rev. Silas Chase, MD; Richard Mace; and Dr. William Eberle Thompson.
DRIVE BY	1:53 PM	Dr. William E. Thompson Boyhood Home Site
		137 S Main St, Bethel, Ohio
		Freedom Trail #19. This was the Boyhood Home of Dr. William E. Thompson. He lived in this house during his documented involvement in the Underground Railroad. A few years before Dr. Thompson passed away, he was interview by Mary Harrison Games for her publication, the Underground Railroad in Ohio. Now the time of that interview, Dr. Thompson was 102 years old. He recounted his first trip as a guard or conductor - He went from Bethel to the home of O.E. Vandosol. They had reached their destination at around midnight. Mrs. Vandosol had no advance knowledge of their coming, but when they arrived she quickly served ginger cakes, pumpkin pie and coffee in generous quantities."... I think it is kind of funny, over all the years of his dedicated service, people forget details, forget names or faces, but we rarely forget if food is involved!
ARRIVE	1:54 PM	Grant Memorial Building Museum
		235 W Plane St, Bethel
		513-734-2256 or 513-734-2686 Open by Appointment
	Allow 30 minutes	This structure was built in 1930 as a memorial. Today it serves as a museum for the village and the Grant family. Collection includes Grant, Civil War and other local historic memorabilia.
DRIVE BY	2:25 PM	Bethel Baptist Church
		211 E Plane St, Bethel, Ohio
		The Bethel Baptist Church, as listed in the Freedom Trail publication #21, was strongly against slavery and participated in several abolitionist organizations. An oral tradition exists at the church that the two small rooms in the church's basement were used to harbor escaping slaves. In 1860, the church issued the following statement: "The Regular Baptists Church at Bethel, Ohio, believing that American slavery as it now exists is a violation of the laws of God... Therefore resolve that it is the duty of our preachers to preach against slavery and that it is not only the privilege but the duty of our members to speak against slavery and pray for its downfall..."
DRIVE BY	2:28 PM	Dr. William E. Thompson Home Site
		213 E Plane St, Bethel, Ohio
		#22 in the Freedom Trail brochure and an official Network to Freedom site, this was once the residence Dr. William Eberle Thompson, who was active in the Underground Railroad as a teenager. Dr. Thompson practiced medicine, here in Bethel, for 80 years. He was known to be quite good with a rifle and did "good service in picking off the bloodhounds the irate slave owners brought with them to trace their escaped property"... Dr. Thompson died in 1940 at 105 years old.
ARRIVE	2:31 PM	Old Settlers Cemetery & Burial Site of US. Senator Thomas Morris
		N. Main St, Bethel, Ohio
	Allow 10 minutes	This is numbers #23 & #24 in the Freedom Trail brochure. The Old Settlers Cemetery was the first cemetery in Bethel. Obed Denham, founder of Bethel, donated the land for the cemetery with the contingency that the land not be used or affiliated with anyone who "holds communion with slaveholders". Denham also donated the land for the Bethel Baptist Church we visited earlier. His burial site and memorial marker are in the cemetery. US Senator Thomas Morris, a loudly proclaimed abolitionist, was the only US Senator to speak out against slavery during his time. Morris represented many defendants accused of harboring fugitive slaves. The great Quaker poet, John Greenleaf Whittier wrote Morris' epitaph: "Unawed by power, and uninfluenced by flattery. He was, throughout life, the fearless advocate of Human Liberty"
DRIVE BY	3:01 PM	Marcus Sims - Huber Tannery Location
		134 S 2nd St, Williamsburg, Ohio
		At this location was once the Tannery of Charles B. Huber. The tannery was the workplace of Marcus Sims, one of only two identified African American conductors in Clermont County. Sims aided Huber, the Williamsburg stationmaster, in transporting of fugitive slaves to Brown and Warren County. Sims enlisted in the US Army and was killed during the Civil War in 1864. This site was chosen to represent Sims' accomplishments and involvement in the Underground Railroad. This location is number 26 in the Clermont County Freedom Trail and is an official Network to Freedom site.
DRIVE BY	3:02 PM	Charles B. Huber Home Site
		160 Gay St, Williamsburg, Ohio
		Also a Network to Freedom site the Charles B. Huber Home Site is number 27 in the Freedom Trail. Charles "Boss" Huber was one of the most noted and successful stationmasters in the southwest Ohio area. He assisted between 300-500 fugitive slaves during his time as an active conductor. Huber loudly protested slavery and was known to carry a soap-box with him to preach his beliefs when presented with an audience and opportunity. Huber was assisted by many throughout his term as stationmaster of Williamsburg, especially by close confidents Marcus Sims, Samuel Peterson and Dr. LT Pease.
DRIVE BY	3:05 PM	Dr. Leavitt Thaxter Pease Home Site
		180 Gay St, Williamsburg, Ohio
		This was the home and office of Dr. LT Pease. This site is also approved to the Network to Freedom and is number 28 on the Clermont Freedom Trail. Dr. Pease was the neighbor and friend of Charles Huber. Pease took over as Williamsburg stationmaster upon Huber's death in 1854. Pease was married to Nancy Fee, the sister of Robert Fee who served as stationmaster in Moscow, Ohio.
ARRIVE	3:07 PM	Williamsburg Township Cemetery
		Gay St, Williamsburg, Ohio
	Allow 10 minutes	Number 29 on the Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail and an official Network to Freedom site. The Williamsburg Township Cemetery holds the burial sites of three prominent abolitionist and Underground Railroad operatives. The cemetery is open during light hours for viewing of the burial places and stones of: Charles B. Huber, Dr. LT Pease and Samuel Peterson. Peterson, a stonemaster by trade, made custom stones for himself and for his family. The burial markers resemble a tree stump with bark all around and grain on the top. Being so close in resemblance to a tree, be careful not to overlook his unique marker.
DRIVE BY	3:19 PM	Charles B. Huber Farm
		975 W Main St, Williamsburg, Ohio
		Once the farmland of Charles Huber, this property now owned by Croswell Motorcoach Company, is number 30 and the final Network to Freedom site in Williamsburg. Huber had a barn located at the far end of his property where escaped slaves would be hidden until nightfall, when safe for transport. One account recorded states that there were seventeen fugitives staying with Huber in one night.
RETURN	3:40 PM	Clermont County Hotel Accommodations
		Hotels Located off I-275 at SR-32, SR-125, US-50, and Wards Corner. For purposes of driving order and directions this itinerary has been formatted centrally with the SR-32 accommodations in mind. For a specific hotel oriented itinerary, please contact the Clermont CVB for a customized copy. 800-796-4282 or request online at: www.visitclermontohio.com
Day Two
START	9:00 AM	Clermont County Hotel Accommodations
		Hotels Located off I-275 at SR-32, SR-125, US-50, and Wards Corner. For purposes of driving order and directions this itinerary has been formatted centrally with the SR-32 accommodations in mind. For a specific hotel oriented itinerary, please contact the Clermont CVB for a customized copy. 800-796-4282 or request online at: www.visitclermontohio.com
		Travel several miles until you come into Camp Dennison. The museum complex will be on your left a short distance after you pass Kugler Mill Road.
ARRIVE	9:15 AM	Camp Dennison Civil War Museum
		Camp Dennison, Cincinnati, Ohio ~ 513-576-6327
		www.campdennison.org
		The Camp Dennison Ohio Civil War Museum is housed in a stone-building built in 1804 by Revolutionary War veteran Christian Waldschmidt. This building along with another larger stone house and several barns and out-buildings on the Waldschmidt property were used by the Union army during the camp’s existence. The buildings and the adjoining property are owned by the Ohio Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The large house is presently operated by the OSDAR as the Christian Waldschmidt House Museum and contains outstanding pre- and post-Revolutionary War furnishings and artifacts. The Camp Dennison Ohio Civil War Museum features a wonderful collection of Ohio-related Civil War artifact including uniforms, guns, swords, letters, diaries and other personal effects from Ohio soldiers. Upon request, the museum will open to special tour groups during the weekdays. This is a great experience because your group can tour both the Civil War museum and the Waldschmidt house!
ARRIVE	11:31 AM	Harriet Beecher Stowe House
		2950 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio ~ 513-632-5120
		http://www.ohiohistory.org/places/stowe/
		The Cincinnati home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. 1978 restoration by Citizen's Committee on Youth. Presently a Museum, Gift Shop, Cultural Center. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House was built by Lane Seminary in 1833 to serve as the residence of that institution's president. Harriet Beecher moved to Cincinnati from Connecticut in 1832 with her father, Dr. Lyman Beecher, who had been appointed president of the seminary. It was in Cincinnati where Harriet learned about the evils of slavery which inspired her book, Uncle Tom's Cabin.
ARRIVE	12:10 PM	Montgomery Inn Boathouse
		925 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio ~ 513-721-7427
	Allow 1.5 hours	Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse is the most popular restaurant in Greater Cincinnati. Our world-famous ribs, our friendly service, and our striking view of the Ohio River, make us a unique restaurant that you and your guests will remember long after the meal is over. The hustle and bustle of the Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse is contagious, but not overpowering. For dessert, indulge in another Cincinnati culinary tradition. Graeter's black raspberry chip ice cream. On your way out, purchase a bottle of our barbecue sauce at the gift shop to bring home. Call ahead for group arrangements.
ARRIVE	1:44 PM	National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
		3rd St., Cincinnati, Ohio
		www.undergroundrailroad.org
		The Freedom Center (opening Summer 2004) offers lessons and reflections on the struggle for freedom. Using exhibits, programs, research and interactive experiences, the Freedom Center will promote collaborative learning, dialogue and action to inspire today's freedom movements. Explore the depths of the Underground Railroad and understand the value of freedom today and challenges we continue to face around the world.
RETURN	5:00 PM	Clermont County Hotel Accommodations
		Hotels Located off I-275 at SR-32, SR-125, US-50, and Wards Corner. For purposes of driving order and directions this itinerary has been formatted centrally with the SR-32 accommodations in mind. For a specific hotel oriented itinerary, please contact the Clermont CVB for a customized copy. 800-796-4282 or request online at: www.visitclermontohio.com
Evening Idea		Dinner at Max and Irma's Restaurant
		Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Max and Irma's, where there's excitement in the setting and pleasure by the plate! This is a casual dining restaurant with a wide variety menu including fresh salads, great sandwiches, fabulous burgers, and delicious entrees.
Evening Idea		Eastgate Mall Shopping Experience
		www.shopeastgate-mall.com
		Newly renovated, Eastgate Mall is home to all your favorite stores like Dillard's, JC Penney, Kohl's and Sears, not to mention other great shops like American Eagle Outfitters, Coach House Gifts, Express, Foot Locker, Radio Shack and Suncoast Motion Picture Co. Eastgate Mall is "A Great Shopping Place" with over 80 fabulous stores and eateries making it truly a total shopping experience.
Day Three
START	9:00 AM	Clermont County Hotel Accommodations
		Hotels Located off I-275 at SR-32, SR-125, US-50, and Wards Corner. For purposes of driving order and directions this itinerary has been formatted centrally with the SR-32 accommodations in mind. For a specific hotel oriented itinerary, please contact the Clermont CVB for a customized copy. 800-796-4282 or request online at: www.visitclermontohio.com
ARRIVE	9:07 AM	Cracker Barrel
		475 River's Edge Drive, Milford Ohio ~ 513-831-6635
		Favorite for everyone! Come and browse the country store and enjoy a wonderful "home style" breakfast!
ARRIVE	11:02 AM	Olde Springboro Village
		Main St., Springboro, Ohio ~ 937-748-0074
		http://www.shakerwssg.org/olde_springboro_village_ohio.htm
		Spend the day exploring Warren County's Underground Railroad Heritage! Springboro's involvement with the Underground Railroad followed naturally from the founding Quakers' abhorrence of slavery. At least 18 homes in Springboro itself and nine more in the surrounding Clearcreek Township were depots on the Underground Railroad. Many of the houses today still harbor the concealed closets, hidden rooms, and underground tunnels that were used to hide the runaways from slave hunters. Groups of 10 or more may schedule a guided tour with a costumed re-enactors.
		Springboro celebrates and recreates its Underground Railroad history each year on the weekend before Memorial Weekend. You'll find runaway slaves seeking your help as they hide from slave catchers and their dogs. At the Civil War Encampment, young recruits are taught how to drill as ladies of the regiment prepare bandages in the hospital tent. Craftspeople demonstrate nearly forgotten skills which produced the necessities of the early 19th century, and guided Underground Railroad tours are led by re-enactors. Costumed musicians stroll the sidewalks and pause on porches to entertain visitors. You might even meet Abe Lincoln as he reads from the Emancipation Proclamation.
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