The Early Underground Railroad in Western Illinois

This program is based on research done for the Quincy Underground Railroad Museum. The development of the Underground Railroad in Quincy serves as a case study in why and how the network developed in Illinois. The presentation will include a background on slavery and abolitionism in the area and how the anti-slavery movement radicalized. Through a PowerPoint presentation I will narrate the events and describe the key personalities from the 1830s to the mid 1840’s.

 Patrick Hotle and Terrell Dempsey will share about their research.  They have collaborated on a book about abolitionism and the Underground Railroad in western Illinois. The book will be published by the University of Missouri Press.