Ohio: Far from Innocent: African American and White Race Relations 1850-1871
Amy Mathews
Dr. Elizabeth Regosin, Faculty Mentor
McNair Research, Summer 2004
It was my intent in this project to explore the race relations within Ohio between African Americans and whites during a portion of the antebellum period and the American Civil War. I was inspired to research this topic because it has been my experience that many people still believe that, since Ohio was a northern state and a big player in the Underground Railroad, its citizens were completely pro-abolition and equality. This is far from the truth. The southern portion of the state varied completely in their convictions from the “classic” Ohioan; people in these areas were as anti-abolition and equality as many southerners. Even within these two groups feelings differed. Many who wanted abolition didn’t want to have to coexist with African Americans, and many who wished for them to remain slaves didn’t agree with the poor treatment they received. Needless to say, the wavering in sentiments make Ohioan characteristics far from simplistic.