Underground Railroad

In the early- to mid-1800s thousands of slaves sought freedom through a network of routes and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. Their destinations were free states or Canada. According to the National Parks Service, the Mississippi River was a major escape route north to Canada.

Just 16 miles from the Mississippi, Rushford is believed to have had several safe houses. However, due to the secrecy required for the Underground Railroad, few records of these safe houses exist today. It is the presence of secret rooms in houses built in Rushford’s early years that bear witness to the pivotal role these homes played in our nation’s history.

Laura Deering has done extensive research on Rushford’s connection to the Underground Railroad. This is a brief recap.

The story begins in the early years of Rushford with the arrival of abolitionists George and Harriet Stevens, Roswell Valentine, and Hiram Walker. The Stevens’ both served in the Union during the Civil War. Valentine and Walker owned a mill in Rushford. They built a safe room for fugitive slaves in their residences. The Stevens House was built at 105 South Elm Street, and the Valentine house at 504 North High Street. Researchers have identified one other residence at 511 East Rushford Avenue that was also likely a safe house for slaves.

In addition to the three safe houses, it is believed that limestone caves were used to hide slaves. A rough trail near Hart, Minnesota, was called the Slave Road and at least one nearby barn had a secret room.

For much more information about Rushford’s role in the Underground Railroad, check out the articles listed below the pictures.

THE STEVENS HOUSE - 105 South Elm Street, Rushford

This two-story, large Gothic revival style house was built in 1859 for George Stevens and was thought to have been a safe house in the 1860s. It is currently a private residence.

Photos/descriptions - “The Twenty-one Historic Limestone Buildings of Rushford,” Gerald E. Mundt, 2004 (copies available to purchase from the Rushford Area Historical Society)