Delaware County Review

February is Black History Month, which is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and reflect on their impact on our collective history and culture.

The concept of Black History Month was originated by historian Carter G. Woodson and other African American leaders in the early 1900s, later becoming a federally recognized month beginning in 1976.

Dublin’s Ties to the Underground Railroad

Did you know that Dublin and nearby Shawnee Hills have connections to the Underground Railroad?

Dr. Eli Pinney’s HouseDr. Eli Morrison Pinney’s house, located in Historic Dublin, was a stop on the Underground Railroad in the mid-1800s for enslaved people fleeing from the South to Canada. The Underground Railroad stop in Shawnee Hills would have been the next likely station after Dr. Pinney’s house on South Riverview Street for those fleeing north along the Scioto River. Dr. Pinney lived from 1817 to 1907.

Listening TubeDr. Pinney installed a listening tube in his home, which was a brass device that connected the outside of the house to an inside room so conductors could communicate with others.

Watch HouseThe cut-out hand shapes in The Dublin Watch House also serve as a nod to the listening tube in Dr. Pinney’s house.

Eli Pinney ElementaryDr. Eli Pinney’s contributions to the Underground Railroad live on with the title of Eli Pinney Elementary, named after his relation, Eli Pinney (1908-1990).

Lucy Depp Park & The Depp Settlement — Abraham Depp Freedom StationAbraham Depp was freed under the Emancipation Proclamation and established a home locally. He, alongside Lucy Depp, helped others on their journey north by giving them a place to stay at an Underground Railroad Station in the nearby town of Shawnee Hills. Learn more about the Depps.

Lucy Depp Park & The Depp Settlement — BellThe bell at Lucy Depp Park was an “all-clear signal” given at night to indicate it was safe to travel.

Abraham Depp ElementaryDublin City Schools named Abraham Depp Elementary to honor the legacy of Depp and those he helped during his lifetime; the school opened in the fall of 2020.

Original source can be found here.