Dec. 13, 2021 noon
(WGTD)---Historical markers that commemorate the Racine area’s strong anti-slavery movement were dedicated last week.
The nine markers—scattered throughout the downtown area—are serving to draw attention to locations that played a significant role in the underground railroad—a loose network of people and places that aided escaped slaves.
The pinnacle of Racine’s legacy is the story of Joshua Glover---an escaped slave who was tracked down to Racine, recaptured, and then jailed in Milwaukee—but not for long. A large mob of angry abolitionists from Racine and Milwaukee broke into the jail and set him free, this time for good. He eventually made his way to freedom and a new life in Canada.
Up until several decades ago, Glover’s story had been largely forgotten. But the Racine Heritage Museum and the Professional Women’s Network for Service—along with others—have been working diligently to preserve and spread the story. Pearl Terry, a member of the Network, was among those at the forefront of the initial effort back in the 1990s. "The time had come for us to pull the story of Joshua Glover and the story of the abolitionists in Wisconsin and take it from the shelves, dust it off and bring it to the fore," she said.
Racine Heritage Museum Director Chris Paulson noted that Racine County is home to three underground railroad locations that are commemorated by the National Park Service. "You can't overstate the importance of this community in the most pivotal point of our nation's history," Paulson said.
Mayor Mason led the dedication, which was held in Monument Square, home of one of the markers. "I'm so honored to be mayor of a city that played a role in the underground railroad," he said. "But I'm also humbled and reminded that there is still work to be done."
The $40,000 cost of installing the markers came from the city’s tourism promotion fund.
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