Tedd Long

When we think about the Underground Railroad, our minds often go to secret tunnels, hidden rooms, and whispered passwords. The reality was both less romantic and far more dangerous. For those seeking freedom, Toledo wasn’t just another stop along the way. It was the final threshold. Beyond Toledo lay Lake Erie. Beyond Lake Erie lay Canada. And beyond Canada lay freedom that American law refused to grant. In the 19th century, Toledo stood on the razor’s edge between slavery and liberty. Why...

For those who appreciate the story behind Waterville’s iconic Interurban Trolley Bridge , also known as the Ohio Electric Railroad Bridge, you’ll enjoy this deep dive into its fascinating history and current status. The piece was written by local historian and author Carroll McCune  and originally published by BG Independent News .

The David Dows and boat unloading cargo at Toledo's Union Railroad grain elevator in 1882. The city of Toledo, situated at the western end of Lake Erie on the Maumee River, has long been a pivotal node in the Great Lakes shipping network. From the canal era of the nineteenth century through the age of iron-hulled freighters and the advent of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Toledo’s port has stood at the crossroads of inland and international trade. Its story is one of innovation, resilience, and...