The Hidden B&B In Cincinnati That Was Once A Stop On The Underground Railroad
By Andrea Limke|Published May 04, 2018
×
Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Cincinnati is a great town for history buffs, as you’ll find our city’s name mentioned in conjunction with many major events of the past. With its position along the Ohio River, Cincinnati and the surrounding areas were sought after destinations for those heading north on the Underground Railroad. Abolitionists provided many safehouses throughout the city, offering those seeking freedom a hiding spot for rest and recovery before helping them continue on northward. Many of these homes still exist today, and one of them is hidden on acreage just off Hamilton Avenue in College Hill. Six Acres Bed and Breakfast is a lovely place to spend the night now, and interestingly enough, was once a stop on the underground railroad.
If you've ever driven along Hamilton Avenue through College Hill, you probably didn't notice the small sign indicating a charming B&Bs private drive.
You also probably never thought about the role this road and B&B once played in the Underground Railroad.
If you have noticed the sign and driven back onto the acreage that makes up Six Acres Bed and Breakfast, then you've seen the stately, yellow main house that sits back off the road.
It was a popular route along the Underground Railroad as well, as those seeking freedom would cross the Ohio River and then continue to head north.
Advertisement
The large yellow house that is now the B&B was built between 1850 and 1860 by noted abolitionist Zebulon Strong. As a Quaker and farmer, he used his land and the house to hide slaves and help them along their journey.
Zebulon Strong used his work as a farmer as a sort of cover, by using a wagon that had a false bottom. He would pick up "passengers" near Mill Creek, which sits next to the property, and then cover the wagon up with crops.
Strong would then bring the passengers to the house, where there were many hidden spots. Here they could rest, eat, and sleep in peace before moving along the route.
The house turned bed and breakfast still has many of those hidden places and historic characteristics, which makes it an intriguing place to visit and spend the night.
The owners are warm and inviting and will gladly chat about the history of this incredible property.
While there were many stops on the Underground Railroad in the Cincinnati area, Six Acres Bed and Breakfast remains a well-preserved and historic living example of this piece of Cincinnati's past.
If you're ever looking for a unique getaway in the city, or perhaps need a place to recommend to out-of-towners, be sure to check out Six Acres and stay in a lovely piece of Cincinnati history.
If you enjoy learning about Cincinnati’s history, or even if you simply like staying in a relaxing B&B in town, then check out Six Acres Bed and Breakfast in College Hill. Did you know this historic spot existed in Cincinnati? What other connections to the Underground Railroad do you know of? We’d love to hear about them in the comments.
For more information on Six Acres Bed and Breakfast, visit its website here.
And if you love Cincy history, you’ll love these extremely old photos taken in the city, featured in our previous article here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.