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Ending
the silence to Save history
Toronto Star, Canada - 2 Feb 2008
The history project reflects a growing recognition of the often overlooked black history of rural Ontario.
A cairn has been erected in Owen Sound's main ...
Publisher Comment: This is an excellent story of the trials and
tribulations of several black families and their Georgian Bay community.
Detailed video shows the community effort into the Cairn Project.
Cyclists
trace route of more than 20000 blacks into Canada
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (subscription), WI - 1 Feb 2008
4 in Owen Sound, Ontario, a city settled by many runaway
slaves. The route is the final leg of the 2058-mile Underground Railroad
Bicycle Route, ...
Publisher Comment: Trace the cycling experience of a group who
ended up in Owen Sound last year(2007). by On freedom's path By CASSANDRA
SPRATLING McClatchy News Service
2007 Underground Railroad Bicycle Tour Ends in Own
Sound, Georgian Bay Ontario
After three years of research and planning, Adventure Cycling Association,
North America's largest bicycling organization, and the University of
Pittsburgh's Center for Minority Health are pleased to unveil the newly
completed 2,058 mile Underground Railroad Bicycle Route (UGRR). A breakthrough
in both historically-infused adventure travel and active-living outreach
to the African-American community, the UGRR promises to introduce people
of all cultural backgrounds to the adventure and health benefits of cycling
and bicycle travel
Starting in Mobile, Alabama, the route winds north through river valleys
and wildlife refuges to Kentucky and Ohio, before reaching Lake Erie,
Niagara Falls, and its end-point in Owen Sound, Ontario on Lake Huron's
Georgian Bay, the final destination for many freedom seekers. Besides
the lush green scenery and the many small towns the route passes through,
a host of museums, historic parks, and visitor centers bring the history
of this remarkable period alive.
For photos and other media materials, visit
www.adventurecycling.org/ugrrmedia
To learn more about the route, visit www.adventurecycling.org/ugrr
Underground Railroad Bicycle Route maps can be viewed at www.adventurecycling.org/routes/undergroundrailroad.cfm
Adventure Cycling is leading a self-contained tour of the entire route
in spring 2007 www.adventurecycling.org/tours/2007ugrr.cfm
and a seven-day supported ride ending at the 145th Emancipation Celebration
in Owen Sound, Ontario in August 2007 www.adventurecycling.org/tours/2007ugrrcelebration.cfm.
Owen Sound Cairn Project.
Yesterday, February 7, 2005, in recognition of Black History
Month, TVO, Ontario's educational channel reported on the Owen Sound Cairn
Project. The park setting for the project is on the Sydenham River in
Owen Sound Ontario. It is believed that Owen Sound was the northern
most terminus for the Underground Railroad where many former slaves
settled. Their stories are told in a very unique setting along with the
compelling cairn design and river backdrop. A very impressive web site
discusses in depth, the history of the Black population in Owen Sound
www.osblackhistory.com/index.php
Black Settlement In Oro Township-Simcoe
County (near Barrie)
Another significant location related to Black history in Ontario is the
African Episcopal Methodist Church in Oro Township just north west
of Barrie, and south west of Orillia, close to the town of Edgar.
A refurbished church stands today with an historical plaque. Commemorations
are held every 5 years. One of the first Black settlements (1808) approved
by the Government of the time was in Oro, Ontario. One of the first locations
in North America, perhaps the world, where land was provided free to
former black slaves. Soldiers who had fought for the British, against
the Americans, and free men who had escaped slavery in the United States,
after the war of 1812. headed into Canada and north. The Penetanquishene
Road linking Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe to Georgian Bay was engineered
as both a Military road and possible escape road should the Americans
attack. Speculation as to the role of the Black settlers in maintaining
the road is a matter for historical interpretation. For more information
go to www.ourroots.ca/e/toc.asp?id=4340
See Simoce
County, Simcoe
County Museum, Simcoe
County Historical Plaque |
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