STL County Bissell House Added to National Park

Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

– In recognition of International Underground Railroad Month, Saint Louis County is honored to announce that the Genera

Daniel Bissell House has been designated as part of the National Park Service’s

Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

This prestigious recognition comes after months of research conducted by the Saint Louis County Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with students at Washington University in St. Louis. Their work focused on uncovering the struggles and triumphs of enslaved people who lived and toiled at the Bissell plantation, then known as Franklinville Farm.

“Saint Louis County remains dedicated to acknowledging the struggles and unwavering fight for freedom experienced by enslaved people, not only at the Bissell House but throughout the region,” said County Executive Dr. Sam Page. “We are committed to ensuring their stories of bravery and resilience are heard and shared with future generations.”

Franklinville Farm encompassed over 2,300 acres in North S aint Louis County and boasted one of the largest enslaved workforces in the region. While many of these individuals sought freedom, only a handful are remembered by name today, including Joseph Blake, Frederick Sams, Charles, John, and Lucy.

The research team unearthed historical newspaper advertisements placed by the Bissell family, offering rewards for the capture of “runaway slaves.” Evidence suggests the threat of being sold – a brutal separation from family and community – fueled many of these escape attempts.

“General Daniel Bissell and his descendants were ardent supporters of slavery, spending considerable resources to gather information on the Underground Railroad and recapture those who fled Franklinville Farm,” said County Historian Guinn Hinman.

The National Park Service’s Network to Freedom honors sites with verifiable connections

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