This fraternity house is believed to be an Underground Railroad safe house ➡️ The home was built in 1856 for Robert Neil, the oldest son of William Neil, namesake of Neil Ave. Known simply as “Indianola”, it later lent its name to an avenue and two schools. The Neils were known for their strong anti-slavery position. Henry Neil was the first Ohioan to enlist in the Civil War, which he did in 1861. At the time, Ohio was a primary path for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, with several routes passing through Columbus. As such, the home included many unusual passages and hidden rooms. One room was hidden between floors, only accessible through a moveable panel. In another section, a basement shaft dropped straight into a tunnel extending more than a mile away, as far as the Olentangy River. The home changed significantly over 169 years, eventually welcoming the Kappa Sigma fraternity through unusual means. In 1909, two fraternity brothers encountered a neighbor, Thomas Fra...