Black & Indigenous History

Explore the history, experiences, and contributions of Black and Indigenous communities in Lawrence County, Ohio.

Lawrence County's location along the Ohio River, bordering Kentucky and what is now West Virginia, placed it near important routes of the Underground Railroad. Discover stories of slavery, abolitionists, escapes to freedom, and the people who helped shape our county's Black history.

This collection also explores the history and heritage of Indigenous (Native American) peoples in and around Lawrence County, including their experiences with pioneers and settlers and the tragedies that accompanied settlement and displacement.

Through historical newspaper articles, documents, and personal accounts, these stories offer a glimpse into our region's past, including some of its most difficult chapters.

Historical Content Notice: Some historical materials contain outdated, offensive, or discriminatory language that reflects the attitudes and prejudices of their time. These materials are preserved for historical accuracy and educational purposes only. In certain articles, offensive language has been removed and replaced with an ellipsis (…) to indicate omitted text. The Lawrence Register firmly opposes racism, discrimination, and prejudice in all forms.

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