Illinois historian Charlotte E. Johnson presents her research on the Underground Railroad in Alton and nearby communities, tracing local activity from 1816 to 1865. She describes routes, churches, homes, businesses and river connections associated with freedom seekers, including sites in Lower and Upper Alton, Wood River, Godfrey and Rocky Fork.
Johnson discusses people and organizations she connects to the network, such as the Dimmock family, Isaac Kelly, the African Methodist Episcopal and Baptist churches, and the Illinois Mutual Fire Insurance Company. She explains that her presentation focuses on activities supported by multiple sources and distinguishes documented locations from stories where details remain uncertain. The program concludes with audience questions.
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Village of Godfrey Board of Trustees: Public Safety, Finance, Board Meetings
Deliverance Temple in Alton
City of Alton - Committee of the Whole Meeting
Village of Bethalto Council Meeting
