Medina to Honor Abolitionist Legacy with Historic Courthouse Plaque

MEDINA, OH — The City of Medina, Ohio, will dedicate a commemorative plaque honoring prominent abolitionists Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 p.m. The plaque will be installed at the historic 1841 Medina County Courthouse, where the two abolitionists shared their vision for freedom in 1847. Douglass and Garrison held a public meeting at the courthouse on Aug. 30, 1847, and another the following day in Phoenix Hall, a third-floor venue in the former Phoenix Bank building, now Huntington Bank.

The commemoration recognizes Medina’s historical role in the abolitionist movement, especially its active participation in supporting anti-slavery ideals and advocating for civil rights. Frederick Douglass, born into slavery in 1818 in Maryland, escaped to freedom in the North in 1838 with the assistance of Anna Murray, whom he later married. Douglass became a highly respected leader, known for his role as an abolitionist, writer, orator, and advocate for African American civil rights. As a subscriber to The Liberator, an anti-slavery newsletter published by William Lloyd Garrison, Douglass connected with Garrison and began collaborating on abolitionist campaigns across the United States.

William Lloyd Garrison, born in 1805, dedicated much of his life to the abolition of slavery. Through his newspaper, The Liberator, Garrison led the movement to end slavery, founding the New England Anti-Slavery Society in 1832 and later co-founding the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1833. His dedication to the cause made him a pivotal figure in the fight for freedom.

Medina’s commitment to preserving and recognizing its abolitionist history is not new. Recently, Friends of the Cemetery honored the Blake and Canfield families for their roles in supporting the Underground Railroad and the Civil War, underscoring the city’s legacy in championing civil rights.

The upcoming dedication ceremony reflects Medina’s enduring commitment to historical remembrance and education, honoring the efforts of two figures who played an essential role in shaping the nation’s progress toward equality.