NEW HISTORIC LANDMARK HOME IN ST. CHARLES                      POSSIBLE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD SITE          Click Here for Current Update When a homeowner contacted Marian to discuss putting her circa 1837 St. Charles newly Landmarked home on the market, she disclosed that there might be a possibility that it was an Underground Railroad site.  She had found several interesting artificats while digging in an obscure section of the basement and had heard stories about the Underground Railroad homes in St. Charles.  While investigating the original homeowner, the property ownership was traced back to known abolitionist, Gideon Young, probable member of the Kane County Anti-Slavery Society, founded in 1842. While working towards her  Historic Preservation Certification at Northwestern University, Marian had met Jihad Muhammad, Director of the African Scientific Research Institue (ASRI), an affiliate of the University of Illinois, Chicago, Department of Public Health.  Marian inquired of Mr. Muhammad if he might know of someone who would be an interested in investigating her client's home.  He came and did an initial survey of the home and upon examining the property and talking with the homeowner, declared, "This is a potential site."  The homeowner declared:  "I always knew this was a special home." Plans for researching the property were presented to the St. Charles Historic Preservation (SCHP) Commission on Wednesday, March 19th.   The SCHP Commission had expressed an interest in learning more about the project since the home is now a St. Charles Landmark.  Plans were also presented to the St. Charles City Council on April 14.  Preliminary investigation and research is currently being conducted on the property by another local university. Please check back for further updates on this exciting project into uncovering the history of the St. Charles Underground Railroad.  The journey continues.... Kane County Chronicle Article, Sunday, March 16, 2008 Daily Herald Article, Saturday, May 3, 2008