There was a time when those aiding escaping slaves could lose not only their property and liberty but also, in rare instances, their lives.

Yet Levi and Catherine Coffin, who lived in southeastern Indiana, believed so fervently in the anti-slavery movement that they helped around 2000 slaves find their way to freedom.

Levi Coffin was taught the tenets of abolitionism early on.

Given his early dedication, it’s little wonder that Coffin became so active in aiding runaway slaves that he earned the title of “president” of the Underground Railroad and his home was titled Grand Central Station.

The Coffin home, a two story, eight room red brick house built in 1839, still stands. Now a National Historic Landmark and a house museum, several years ago it was named one of the top twenty-five historical sites by The History Channel.

A well to do and philanthropic man, Coffin used his money to fund the railroad.