The Underground Railroad in Western Illinois and Its Abolitionist Roots

Western Illinois was an active corridor on the Underground Railroad.  Author Owen Muelder will talk many Underground Railroad operators, both black and white who helped Freedom Seekers on their way north through western Illinois toward freedom in Canada.  He will also discuss some of the key figures of the Abolitionist movement in Illinois.

Owen Muelder has delivered more than 300 lectures on the Underground Railroad and the anti-slavery movement to various groups that have included historical societies, service clubs, teachers' associations, and other organizations in Illinois and across the country.  He serves as the Directof of the Galesburg Colony Underground Railroad Freedom Center at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinoi and is the author of The Underground Railroad in Western Illinois.