Ohioans are proud of their state’s history as a vital component of the Underground Railroad. That’s why it is exciting to learn from Gov. Mike DeWine, the state Department of Development and TourismOhio that the Ohio Historical Underground Railroad Trail is expanding.

There are now 48 stops on the trail, with new additions such as the John Gee Black Historical Center in Gallipolis, Lucy Depp Park in Powell, the Gabriel Smith Memorial Gateway to Freedom Display at the Preble County District Library in Eaton and the Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center in Findlay.

Many of the sites are also part of the Appalachian Freedom Heritage tour.

Yes, folks, THIS is the “heritage” it is appropriate to celebrate. In fact, the Ohio General Assembly has supported $500 million to be invested in the Appalachian Community Grants Program that is helping to make some of these sites important not just important tourist destinations, but education opportunities.

“The Underground Railroad isn’t just one story, it’s hundreds of stories, told in every corner of Ohio,” said State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham. “It’s history you can experience, not just read about.”

Experiencing the degree to which Ohio has not just valued but fought for freedom should be truly breathtaking for those who embark on the journey. That mustn’t be a revelation only for outsiders. Ohioans should take advantage of the opportunity presented by the trail, too.

The Underground Railroad Museum –Ohio Valley in Flushing is just one of the stops.

As the Ohio Department of Development put it, the expansion of the trail during this International Underground Railroad Month honors “the courage of freedom seekers and the communities that helped them.”

THAT is who we are, in the Buckeye State. If you’re having trouble believing it, explore the trail and find out for yourself.