In a nod to the profound history of resistance and the quest for freedom that marked America's past, the General Daniel Bissell House in Saint Louis County has been officially inducted into the National Park Service's Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This announcement came as the nation honors International Underground Railroad Month, reminding us again of the strength and resilience embedded in our nation's historical fabric.
The push to have the Bissell House recognized was anything but easy, requiring to tirelessly work together months of intensive research by the Saint Louis County Parks and Recreation Department and Washington University students. The collaboration brought to light the narratives of enslaved individuals who once lived on what was then the Franklinville Farm, revealing their persistent attempts to escape from the tyranny of bondage. "Saint Louis County remains dedicated to acknowledging the struggles and unwavering fight for freedom experienced by enslaved people, not only at the Bissell House but throughout the region," said Saint Loius County Executive Dr. Sam Page stated.
The Bissell House story reveals the harsh realities of slavery, as it once had one of the largest groups of enslaved people in North Saint Louis County. Names like Joseph Blake, Frederick Sams, Charles, John, and Lucy are some of the few remembered today, highlighting the many untold stories that remain. Historical newspaper ads show how the Bissell family tried to recapture those who escaped, reflecting the constant fear that surrounded the plantation.
"General Daniel Bissell and his descendants were ardent supporters of slavery, spending considerable resources to gather information on the Underground Railroad and recapture those who fled Franklinville Farm," said Saint Loius County Historian Guinn Hinman. Designation as a Network to Freedom site not only gives the Bissell House a significant place in the tapestry of American history but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who sought their rightful liberation against great odds.
The National Park Service’s Network to Freedom highlights sites linked to the Underground Railroad, honoring the bravery and resistance against slavery. Since starting in 1998, the Network has expanded to include over 800 sites worldwide, promoting historical research and community involvement. September, chosen to honor the escapes of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, is recognized as International Underground Railroad Month, celebrating this important legacy.
