JOURNAL ARTICLE

Journeys of Freedom Seekers in Illinois.

  • Published In: Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, 2026, v. 119, n. 1. P. 67 1 of 3

  • Database: America: History and Life with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Kisiel, Caroline M. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the diverse and underrecognized journeys of freedom seekers associated with the Underground Railroad (UGRR) in Illinois, a state often overlooked in this history despite its complex relationship with slavery and race. Although Illinois was established as a free state in 1818, it maintained proslavery laws and Black Codes that restricted African Americans’ rights, complicating narratives of Illinois as a haven of freedom. The article highlights various examples of enslaved, indentured, and free African Americans who sought freedom through legal challenges, settlement, and escape routes across Illinois, supported by Black and biracial communities, abolitionists, and safe towns. These stories illustrate resilience and agency amid hostility, contributing to a fuller understanding of Illinois’s role in the broader struggle for freedom prior to the abolition of slavery. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. 2026/03, Vol. 119, Issue 1, p67
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1522-1067
  • DOI:10.5406/23283335.119.1.18
  • Accession Number:192456753
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society is the property of Illinois State Historical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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