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A Former Station on the Underground Railroad, the
Lovejoy Homestead is located at the eastern edge of Princeton, Illinois,
and was the home of the Denham and Lovejoy families for nearly 100
years.
Reverend Lovejoy was its most famous resident and occupied the house from
1838 until his death in 1864. Lovejoy was prominent in the
abolition movement and the Underground Railroad, a founder of the
Illinois and national Republican party, and a congressional leader.
Lovejoy is perhaps best known for his role in the Underground Railroad.
As an outspoken abolitionist, he openly proclaimed his willingness to
assist fugitive slaves. His involvement made this house one of the
most important stations on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.
The Owen Lovejoy Home now belongs to the City of Princeton and was
opened as a museum in 1972. The United States Secretary of the
Interior declared the property a National Historic Landmark in 1997.
Also located on the Lovejoy Homestead property is the one room Colton
Schoolhouse. It was moved from its original location 2.5 miles
east to the Homestead in 1971.
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