Old Rock House (Alton, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Rock House |
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| Location | 2705 College Avenue, Alton, Illinois |
| Built | 1834–1835 |
| Official name: Historical marker | |
| Designated | 2013 |
The Old Rock House is a historic building in Alton, Illinois. It was the home of Reverend Thaddeus Beman Hurlbut. He was a pastor at the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church. He was also a good friend of Elijah Parish Lovejoy, who fought against slavery.
The house was built between 1834 and 1835. It was built by Henry Caswell and John Higham. The building was designed for two families to live in. John Higham lived on the east side. Later, in 1927, Dr. Isaac Moore owned the house.
Contents
A Meeting for Freedom
The Old Rock House played an important role in the fight against slavery. On October 26, 1837, a group of people tried to start the Illinois Anti-Slavery Society. This group wanted to end slavery.
Starting the Anti-Slavery Society
Their first meeting was at the church. But the meeting was stopped because of some trouble. People who supported slavery caused disruptions. So, the meeting was moved.
The next day, October 27, 1837, the group met at the Old Rock House. There, they successfully formed the Illinois Anti-Slavery Society. This important event happened just before some violent events in Alton on October 28. These events were caused by people who supported slavery.
A Stop on the Underground Railroad
The Old Rock House was also a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was not a real railroad. It was a secret network of safe houses and routes. These routes helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
Helping People Find Freedom
The house is located near the Mississippi River. This made it a safe place for people escaping slavery from Missouri and other Southern states. People who wanted to end slavery, called abolitionists, helped these freedom seekers. Free African Americans also helped. They guided people from one safe house, or "station," to the next.
Secret Tunnels and Laws
Some stories say there were tunnels under the nearby Lewis and Clark Community College campus. These tunnels might have been used to help people escape. Later, Lyman Trumbull from Alton helped write the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This important law officially ended slavery in America.
Historical Marker
Today, the College Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Old Rock House are still across the street from each other. You can find a special historical marker for both buildings. It is located at College Avenue and Clawson Street. This marker tells about their important history.
