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Black History North of Toronto

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