# @columbuslibrary on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DF2pI-XhSH8
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33998205-columbuslibrary-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/d7595a444c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-02-09T13:30:09.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Columbus Library (@columbuslibrary) — https://gondola.cc/columbuslibrary

## Caption

The Agler and Park family kept rooms stocked for Underground Railroad travelers ➡️

Agler Rd. in Northeast Columbus was named for the Agler family, who lived near the corner of present-day Agler and Sunbury roads. When Frederick Agler’s daughter got married, he gifted the newlyweds a plot of land at 2828 Sunbury Rd.

Margaret Agler and James Chestner Park built the home in 1849, constructing it from the land. Timber was cut from the grounds and bricks were dug from the earth’s clay. At the time, there was no nearby road, so the front and rear of the home were designed identically – just in case the road were built on either side.

James and Margaret were ardent abolitionists. Records indicate that they were active Station-keepers, and they were known to host secret meetings of fellow organizers. The home welcomed freedom seekers with spare rooms and stocked cupboards, always prepared for a guest. 

In one record, their son Horton documented that the house was searched by U.S. Marshalls. The home was readied with a basement tunnel (that has since collapsed), likely leading to nearby Alum Creek. The house also contained a hidden crawlspace large enough for three people located just off an upstairs bathroom.

The house remained in the Park family until 1918 when it was sold to private owners. It underwent renovations, but much of the original structure remains.

Now 176 years old, it remains a private home.

📍 Browse our new map of Columbus' Underground Railroad locations and find related events at our link in bio.

#columbushistory #undergroundrailroad #ohiohistory

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## Tags

ohiohistory, undergroundrailroad, columbushistory

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