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Indiana Bicentennial Celebration 2016
Steuben County and the Abolitionist Movement
With Courage and Conviction: Orland Indiana and the Abolitionist Movement is an inspiring text of the courage and conviction of residents of Steuben County’s first settlement, Orland, and their bravery during the abolitionist movement. Because of their active participation in the Underground Railroad and the blatant efforts of those who fostered the abolitionist cause, the town became a focal point of the movement during the 1850’s. The arrests of five citizens, who in 1853 were caught moving slaves through Orland in direct violation of the Fugitive Slave Act, thrust the community into the national spotlight. These brave citizens had dared to defy a federal mandate and the nation watched as they were arraigned in federal court in Indianapolis. The incidents at Orland brought leaders of the movement to the area and acted as a catalyst that initiated subsequent abolitionist activities that continued until the start of the Civil War.
- Organization: Steuben County Tourism Bureau
- County: Steuben
- Contact: June Julien, 260-665-5386, june@lakes101.org
- Type: Non-profit
- Project Number: IBC-YE-88
- Website: lakes101.org
