a compendium of facts about Ohio history
by Dan Chabek
Oberlin
Oberlin is a historic place.
It became the focus of much attention as an abolitionist colony during the Civil War period.
It was considered an important station on the "underground railroad," which was a conduit for concealing escaped slaves until they could be provided with safe passage to Canada.
It was said of the many fugitives who found their way to this Lorain County college town, none was ever returned to bondage.
Oberlin College was the nation’s first of its kind to enroll students regardless of race. The American Anti-slavery Society gained national prominence by the lectures it sponsored there. The college also became known for its excellent courses in theology and missionary work.
Town and college were named in honor of Reverend John Frederic Oberlin, pastor of Waldbach, Switzerland, who was a particularly benevolent man of the cloth.
He was born in Strassbourg, France, in 1740 and died in Waldbach in 1826.
© 1997 Dan Chabek
Wilson Bruce Evans House on the Underground Railroad