Stone Arch Railroad Bridge To Freedom

From 1837 to 1847, the underground railroad in Madison, Indiana was created and active on into the civil war, through a series of tunnels built under the city. The railroad system spanned from Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Iowa. This allowed a perfect getaway for slaves who were fleeing from their owners. When slaves escaped, not only were they hiding from slave owners but oftentimes, bounty hunters were hired to return them. At the time, even some federal marshals attempted to shut down the railroad. The "conductors", like the people of Vernon, who helped aid in hiding slaves, would also infiltrate plantations disguised as slaves in order to inform others of the railroad, as well as lead escape missions. This was one of the many ways people stepped up to combat the injustice of slavery.

The Stone Arch Railroad Bridge in Vernon, Indiana was part of the entrance to the underground system, and the underpass below it served as one of the many tunnels slaves would use to hide or pass through while on the run.

The Stone Arch Railroad Bridge was built in 1837, making it one of the oldest bridges ever built in the state of Indiana. The bridge was constructed of stone and brick. The builders of the site remain unknown, but the arch architecture was common in Indiana.

The locals of Vernon call the stone arch "the culvert". The citizen's of Vernon played a big role in history in their role in the underground railroad, that's tunnels and underpasses were key factors on slaves gaining freedom.