Underground Railroad Society of Cass County

18970 M-60
Vandalia, MI

Website

The Underground Railroad Society of Cass County is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the Underground Railroad in the area. The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves in the 19th century to escape from slavery in the South to freedom in the North and Canada. Cass County played an important role in the Underground Railroad as it was a major stop along the route from Indiana to Canada. The Society was founded in 1998 by a group of local residents who wanted to ensure that our region’s involvement in this history was not forgotten. The Society operates several historic sites in Cass County, including the Dr. Nathan Thomas House, a documented Underground Railroad site, and the Bonine House, a restored Underground Railroad station. The Society also maintains a museum in Dowagiac — the Newton House — which houses exhibits and artifacts related to the Underground Railroad. You can even have a private tour of some of the homes involved in the network. In addition to preserving and promoting the history of the Underground Railroad, the Society also works to educate the public about the importance of the Underground Railroad in American history and its relevance to contemporary issues of social justice. This is a vital organization committed to honoring the legacy of the brave people who risked their lives to help others achieve freedom and equality.