Reflections on the Railroad
Journal entries from trip participants, posted from the road...

"The information builds and becomes more complete with each new experience. I know I will be able to make this part of American History come alive for my students. . . . I was moved by the respect the Walls family has for their ancestors."

"The John Freeman Walls family was very proud of their dual heritage. Their pride reignited my pride in the multiculturality of my family."

"I became cognizant of some things which I must have heard/read, but had not considered. One was Lincoln's speech in which he stated that he would do anything to unify the states -- keep, abolish, or combine slavery."

"The Wall experience was absolutely wonderful. It was moving and enlightening! When writing my reflective journal it is sometimes hard to know if I'm in the past or present or if am part of the experiences so I switch from the first person or narrative."

"I will never be either Canadian or African-American, but the love and solidarity of other Christians in Canada touched me deeply!"

"I learned many valuable topics today. I was amazed with the Walls' story; that of a freed slave who fell in love with and married his dead master's wife. I was touched by the love they shared which caused them to run away together, become fugitives, and establish a life in Canada. In a time when Blacks were considered property, inhuman, and worthy of nothing at all, they faced tremendous obstacles and have left a legacy of strength, humanitarian efforts, and a love for all people regardless of color."

"I feel elated at the community of Oberlin and their efforts to preserve historical UGRR sites."

"Students need to be aware that there were people of many races and religious backgrounds who worked together to help guide slaves to freedom."

"The highlights of today were twofold, a visit to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, and the John Walls Memorial. The vilage was an 81-acre village re-creating a plantation, slaves quarters and an old school house. People in period clothes made the scene come alive. Children played games of the period with stilts, hoops, bean bags, and ring tosses. The George Washington Carver house was just one of many exhibits honoring inventors and their inspiration. . . . John Freeman Walls and his wife Jane who made the long trek to Canada for freedom. Jane was actually John's owner at one time. When her husband Patrick died, he made John, a childhood friend, promise to take care of his family. Jane and John fell in love, married, and escaped to Canada. They farmed and started a Baptist Church in their home that later was moved down the road. The family today tells their tale, honoring their ancestors. The theme of the center is powerful, "Equal sisterhood and brotherhood of humankind. Dr. Bryan E. Walls, the great-grandson of John and Jane welcomed us and told us the story which he has retold in his book, The Road That Led to Somewhere which I bought and am eager to read. I'm learning so much, it's exciting!"

"Greenfield Village gave a true sense of what it was like in the 1800's. The slaves lived in such small quarters that was one room and with a dirt floor. . . . The John Freeman Walls site was the greatest. His ancestors came through the Underground Railroad and arrived in Canada where the family still lives. The cemetery and buildings are a great tribute to this 8th generation family who are living to keep their family history alive."

The "Footsteps to Freedom 1999" Route

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