New Richmond
Underground Railroad and Abolitionist Sites

(1) Rev. George C. Light Home Site

This is the former residence of Reverend George C. Light (1785-1860), a Methodist minister, who was an agent of the American Colonization Society. The Colonization Society was formed in 1816, for the purpose of voluntarily removing free blacks to Africa. James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln were members of the organization. The country of Liberia was established as a result of the society’s efforts. (401 Front St., New Richmond)

(2) Dr. John Rogers Home Site

This site was the home of Dr. John Rogers. He was the first president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society in 1836, a Liberty Party candidate for public office and a member of the Chieftains of Liberty, vigilance committee. Dr. Rogers was a financial supporter of James G. Birney, publisher of “The Philanthropist” newspaper, and often patrolled the streets of New Richmond to guard the paper’s office. In 1843, Rogers and Rev. Amos Dresser, the famed Lane Seminary rebel, drafted a strong anti-slavery memorial for the New Richmond Presbyterian Church and submitted the statement to the Cincinnati Presbytery. Rogers was married to Julia Morris, daughter of abolitionist and United States Senator Thomas Morris. Dr. Rogers practiced medicine for over 60 years and is most noted for the delivery of Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States, in Pt. Pleasant, 1822 (305 – 307 Front St., New Richmond)

(3) New Richmond Waterfront

This riverfront park was once an active port, in the 19th Century, for transporting agricultural products from the surrounding area. The village was an early center of abolitionist activity, hosting the first Anti-Slavery Society in Clermont County. James G. Birney published “The Philanthropist” newspaper in the village during 1836. Many fugitives passed through the village. In one instance, an escaped slave named Leroy Lee found assistance in New Richmond on his way to Cincinnati. Slave hunters captured him and returned through the village only to be confronted by a large crowd demanding his release. The slave hunters were fortunate to escape the villagers and Leroy Lee stayed in New Richmond until he enlisted in the U.S. Army. (Front St., New Richmond)

(4) The Philanthropist Newspaper

In the vicinity of Walnut and Willow Streets once stood the offices of “The Philanthropist”. Publisher, James G. Birney was a former slave owner and agent of the American Anti-Slavery Society. “The Philanthropist” issued its first edition on January 1, 1836. Christian Donaldson and Dr. John Rogers gave financial support for the project. The paper’s content often prompted the anger of slaveholders and their apologists. There were several threats against the paper during the time it was published at this location. A vigilante group was formed, by the citizens of New Richmond, to protect the paper. “The Philanthropist” was moved to Cincinnati in April of 1836. The move was made because the weekly commute from Birney’s home in Cincinnati to New Richmond had become too much for him. The move to Cincinnati roused the ire of anti-abolitionists in the city. An angry mob was formed on the evening of July 30, 1836. The mob broke into the paper’s office and destroyed the presses. The paper re-opened soon thereafter and continued to print incendiary commentary upon the slavery issue. (Corner of Walnut and Willow St., New Richmond)

(5) Cranston Memorial Presbyterian Church

The Cranston Memorial Presbyterian Church took an early and uncompromising stand against slavery. Rev. Amos Dresser, Lane Theological Seminary rebel and anti-slavery martyr was a minister of the church. At a previous location, the church hosted the organizational meeting of the New Richmond Anti-Slavery Society in 1836. The church hosted a number of anti-slavery speakers including James G. Birney, publisher of “The Philanthropist”, Calvin Stowe, George Beecher, John and Alexander T. Rankin. The church drafted two strongly worded anti-slavery statements to the Cincinnati Presbytery. (Union & Washington St., New Richmond)