Appleton Oaksmith's life was marked by controversy and transformation. Born into a life of privilege, he became embroiled in the slave trade, outfitting ships for the slave trade and even working as a Confederate blockade runner. However, he later underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a pro-black civil rights politician in North Carolina. His story is a complex and intriguing one, full of twists and turns that span the entirety of the Civil War era. [... more]

Thomas Shipley, a 19th-century Christian philanthropist, devoted his life to the extinction of human bondage, and his tireless efforts helped free hundreds of black Americans captured by slave owners and kidnappers, laying the foundation for the Underground Railroad. [... more]

The story of Joshua Glover, a fugitive slave, who was arrested in Milwaukee in 1854, and the subsequent rescue by a crowd of 5,000 people, highlighting the tensions between North and South, the Fugitive Slave Act, and the fight for constitutional rights. [... more]

Appleton Oakesmith, a man born into privilege, took to the sea and led the U.S. on a wild goose chase that became a political crisis in 1864. He was involved in the slave trade, worked as a Confederate blockade runner, and was eventually pardoned by Ulysses S. Grant. Oakesmith's life took a remarkable turn when he became a pro-black civil rights politician in North Carolina, advocating for black political rights and civil rights in the state legislature. [... more]

Harriet Tubman, a fearless visionary, led scores of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Born into slavery in 1822, she suffered a head injury at 13, which led to epileptic seizures and strong visionary activity. Despite these challenges, she became a skilled entrepreneur and eventually escaped to freedom in Pennsylvania. Returning to the South 13 times, she rescued about 70 of her family and friends, earning her the nickname 'Moses of Her People'. Her faith and confidence in God guided her throughout her journey, and she continued to fight for freedom during the Civil War, becoming a spy and leading a raid that liberated 750 enslaved people. [... more]

Hillsdale College students during the Civil War era were known for their strong sense of patriotism and commitment to liberty. Many of them enlisted in the Union Army, with some becoming officers and receiving the Medal of Honor for their bravery. The college's students played a significant role in the war, with over 500 students serving in the army and 100 losing their lives. Their story is one of selflessness, courage, and service to their country. [... more]