Explore Underground Railroad History in Belmont County
This Appalachian Ohio community gives its Underground Railroad Museum a new home inside a historic inn.
A long a quiet stretch of the historic National Road, a powerful story of courage, hope and determination is being given new life. In late fall 2026, the Underground Railroad Museum plans to open its doors at the beautifully restored Black Horse Inn in Morristown, offering visitors an immersive encounter with one of the most important freedom narratives in Appalachian Ohio.
For decades, the museum’s late founder, John Mattox, dedicated himself to preserving and sharing the stories of formerly enslaved people seeking freedom and the locals who risked everything to help them. The new museum will honor Mattox’s legacy with modern exhibits, interactive displays and archival collections that illuminate the history of the Underground Railroad along the Ohio River corridor.
Visitors can explore first-person accounts, authentic artifacts and stories of everyday abolitionists whose quiet bravery helped change the course of a nation. The museum plans to feature educational programming, community events and partnerships with schools to deepen understanding and spark meaningful conversations about equity, justice and the ongoing pursuit of freedom.
Just as a lantern once signaled safety in the night, the renewed museum aims to light the way to freedom — then, now and for generations to come. For more information, go to visitbelmontcounty.com.
For decades, the museum’s late founder, John Mattox, dedicated himself to preserving and sharing the stories of formerly enslaved people seeking freedom and the locals who risked everything to help them. The new museum will honor Mattox’s legacy with modern exhibits, interactive displays and archival collections that illuminate the history of the Underground Railroad along the Ohio River corridor.
Visitors can explore first-person accounts, authentic artifacts and stories of everyday abolitionists whose quiet bravery helped change the course of a nation. The museum plans to feature educational programming, community events and partnerships with schools to deepen understanding and spark meaningful conversations about equity, justice and the ongoing pursuit of freedom.
Just as a lantern once signaled safety in the night, the renewed museum aims to light the way to freedom — then, now and for generations to come. For more information, go to visitbelmontcounty.com.
