Ramptown was a settlement in Cass County, Michigan, established in the mid-19th century by freedom seekers and free Black individuals. The area, named after a wild leek that grew locally, was situated on land owned by James E. Bonine, who invited freedom seekers to clear and cultivate the land in exchange for a place to live. The community featured cabins, gardens, a school for Black children, and a church, fostering independence and opportunities for its residents.
The settlement began as scattered cabins on Quaker farms, where abolitionist Quakers provided shelter and work to freedom seekers. Many residents moved on to Canada, but some stayed, forming a community of 20-30 cabins. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the settlement had faded, with its remnants becoming part of cultivated farmland.
Oral histories, archaeological studies, and local writings have preserved Ramptown’s existence and historical significance. Researchers, including archaeologists from Western Michigan University, confirmed the presence of cabins on Quaker farms. Historical accounts from local residents, such as Nathan Jones, who helped clear the land, and later generations ensured that Ramptown’s legacy remains an integral part of Cass County’s history
Learn more at Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC)
