Historical Presentation: The Underground Railroad in Northwest Illinois – Sterling/Rock Falls Historical Society

The Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society welcomes Beth Wiegmann of Polo for a fascinating presentation exploring the history of the Underground Railroad in northwest Illinois and the Sauk Valley.

Illinois played an important role in the journey to freedom for thousands of people escaping slavery. Estimates suggest that between 4,500 and 7,000 freedom seekers passed through Illinois between 1815 and the Civil War, traveling along carefully guarded routes toward safety in the North.

Many of those routes passed through communities surprisingly close to home. Underground Railroad stops could include private homes, churches, meeting houses, barns, farm buildings, and businesses—all providing shelter and assistance while maintaining the secrecy necessary to protect those seeking freedom.

Wiegmann will share some of the fascinating stories and historical evidence uncovered in our area, including records involving two young girls who were taken in by the family that had hidden them, as well as the story of a Sterling woman who discovered a cleverly concealed room in her basement behind shelves of old canned goods.

Wiegmann serves on the Polo Historical Society Board of Directors and taught at Polo High School for more than 25 years. Her presentation will help connect the national story of the Underground Railroad with people, places, and discoveries right here in northwest Illinois.

Do you have an Underground Railroad story that has been passed down through your family? We’d love to hear it. Come learn about this remarkable chapter of local history and share what you may know about your own family’s connection to it.

Sunday, September 13, 2026
2:00 p.m.
Lincoln Learning Center
611 E. Third St., Sterling, Illinois