Madison County, Illinois was one such place where those who sought freedom found help from local white and Black abolitionists living in communities such as Alton, Godfrey, Brighton, Wood River, Maryville, and Alhambra.

This lesson will focus on the use of oral tradition in uncovering the efforts of those enslaved persons to gain freedom, those who helped them, and how available historical documents can support these narratives.  Students will examine selected local records of Madison County, Illinois to aid their understanding of the importance of oral tradition in studying history and acknowledging the bravery of less famous people associated with the Underground Railroad.

Lyman Trumbull House | Great Rivers & Routes (riversandroutes.com)