Best of: From Alton to Chicago, how you can tour Illinois stops on the underground railroad
Alton is filled with historic underground railroad sites, from The Antioch Baptist Church in Venice, Chicago's Finest Marina in Chicago, the Second Reading Book Shop. Reginald Hardwick
When you’re planning your next weekend getaway, consider exploring Illinois' underground railroad stops, which are historic sites from Chicago (the Jan and Aagje Ton Farm) to Oakland (about an hour south of Champaign) to Alton, near St. Louis.
Fill up your itinerary exploring the African American Heritage Water Trail, walking through preserved houses of monumental figures, such as President Lincoln’s home, and hearing from the descendants of freedom seekers who share how they feel about history being commemorated.
Guest:
Darcel Rockett
Life and Culture Writer, Chicago Tribune
A version of this conversation was first broadcast September 15, 2023.
Illinois sites along the Underground Railroad:
Northern Illinois
- Downers Grove, Cook County
- Jan and Aagje Ton Farm, Cook County
- New Philadelphia, Pike County - Learn more about New Philadelphia
Central Illinois
- Asa Talcot House, Morgan County
- Dr. Hiram Rutherford House, Coles County
- Galesburg Colony at Knox College, Knox County
- Jameson Jenkins Lot, Sangamon County
Southern Illinois
- City of Alton, Madison County
- Hamilton Primary School, Jersey County
- Quinn Chapel AME Church, Brooklyn
- Rocky Fork, Godfrey
- The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom