Garfield Historic Site gets Underground Railroad designation

The National Park Service has announced that James A. Garfield National Historic Site has been designated as a contributing site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

This determination has been made based on the significant contribution the site makes to the understanding of the Underground Railroad in American history, according to a news release.

The Garfield home in Mentor was not a stop on the Underground Railroad; rather, James A. Garfield is documented as having participated in at least two instances of aiding African Americans who were crossing through Ohio while fleeing slavery, making the National Historic Site eligible for inclusion on the Network to Freedom, the release stated.

Garfield’s anti-slavery sentiments and writings; Union army service during the Civil War; and long record of support for African American civil rights during his Congressional career also helped bolster the Site’s case for inclusion.

“This is a wonderful recognition of Garfield’s long support for the abolition of slavery as well as the civil rights of the formerly enslaved during his time in Congress,” said Site Manager Todd Arrington in the release. “President Garfield addressed civil rights during his inaugural address, reminding the nation that while much had been accomplished in this area during the Civil War and Reconstruction, there was still a great deal of work to be done.”

“It has been my desire to see President James A. Garfield recognized for his Underground Railroad contributions for some time,” added Deanda Johnson, the National Park Service’s Midwest Regional Coordinator for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, in the release. “I am glad it is now a reality. Garfield’s life, while cut tragically short, was one of considerable impact, and his involvement in the struggle to end slavery only underscores this.”

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom is administered by the National Park Service. It coordinates preservation and education efforts nationwide and integrates historical places, museums, and interpretive programs association with the Underground Railroad into a mosaic of community, regional, and national stories.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site is located at 8095 Mentor Ave. in Mentor.

““This is a wonderful recognition of Garfield’s long support for the abolition of slavery as well as the civil rights of the formerly enslaved during his time in Congress. ” — Todd Arrington, site manager of James A. Garfield National Historic Site.