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Underground Railroad Homes Damaged In Tornado

1 House Will Be Demolished

Underground Railroad Homes Damaged In Tornado
1 House Will Be Demolished

Crews in Ohio are working to restore two historic homes that were heavily damaged by a tornado.

The homes served as stops on the Underground Railroad.


Many in the town of Moscow have lost everything -- their homes, their cars and all of their belongings.

But the town itself also lost something very near and dear to its heart.

"It's very heartbreaking because it's been here so long," Moscow resident Vicky Dale said.

Next door to Dale's battered and beaten home lies a significant slice of American history.

"They would put candles in the windows, so the slaves could cross over safely," Dale said.

Long before Moscow was ravaged by one of the most vicious storms in Tri-State history, the small river town acted as a safe haven for slaves fleeing the South.

Two homes, the Fee Villa house and the large brick home next door, played a vital role in the Underground Railroad.

"There was supposed to be a tunnel underneath the road, where if they came to check, they would move them underneath," Dale said.

These historic landmarks, nearly 200 years old, now lie broken on the banks of the river. It's a substantial loss for this tradition-rich community.

"Any village has its character, and its character is reflected by its houses and its dwellings. In Moscow, that's probably true more than most places because we have so many buildings that have history, even predating the Civil War. So, it would be a sad thing if these houses were to not remain," Moscow Council member Kent Jones said.

The brick home next to the Fee Villa sustained such severe damage it will have to be demolished. Dale has yet to learn the fate of her own home.

Dale said losing the piece of history is a tough pill to swallow.

"They used to have tours and everything. It's just heartbreaking to see that they'll be gone," Dale said.

The Fee Villa house is going to be restored in the near future.