Underground Railroad: Sand Cave

On the route through Pope County, Illinois, freedom seekers often used Sand Cave for shelter and protection. Sand Cave is located a few miles west of Crow Knob and north of the Miller Grove Community location. Unlike the high lookout point of Crow Knob, Sand Cave was a deep, dark, and secluded shelter inside the sandstone face. Other topographical features on the Shawnee National Forest that may have been used as hiding spots along the Underground Railroad include Ox-Lot, Brasher Cave, and Fat Man’s Squeeze. Sources: Cheryl LaRoche, Free Black Communities and the Underground Railroad: the Geography of Resistance Mary McCorvie, “Spotlight on the Underground Railroad,” http://www.recreation.gov/marketing.do?goto=acm/Explore_And_More/exploreArticles/Spotlight__The_Underground_Railroad_on_the_Shawnee_National_Forest.htm This information about the Underground Railroad is part of a geo-located multi-forest interpretive program. Please contact the U.S. Forest Service Washington Office Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources program leadership with any questions or to make changes. SGV – Recreation Data and Information Coordinator.