THE PHILANTHROPIST NEWSPAPER
A National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom recognized site, here once stood the blacksmith shop of Samuel Ridlen. James G. Birney’s anti-slavery newspaper, The Philanthropist, was first printed here in January 1836. The papers content angered slaveholders and their supporters and multiple threats were made vowing to destroy the presses. A group was formed by the citizens of New Richmond to protect the paper lead by abolitionists Thomas Donaldson and Dr. John G. Rogers. The nucleus of this group became known as "the Chieftains of Liberty".
Birney re-located his press to Cincinnati in July of 1836 where a pro-slavery mob made good on their threats. During a violent riot Birney's press was destroyed and the type-set dumped into the Ohio River.
Birney re-located his press to Cincinnati in July of 1836 where a pro-slavery mob made good on their threats. During a violent riot Birney's press was destroyed and the type-set dumped into the Ohio River.