By Randy McNutt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - Years of detective work have culminated in the publication of Clermont County, Ohio Freedom Trail: Underground Railroad and Abolitionist Sites.

The oversized eight-page brochure, published by the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau, discusses 33 local sites identified with the organization that helped slaves escape.

Last month, the National Park Service accepted six more of the local sites into the new Network to Freedom, started by Congress to preserve the legacy of the era. Acceptance means the sites are approved and carry the official government logo.

"We have the most accepted sites in the country at this point - 19," said Gary Knepp, director of the Clermont County Historical Office. "In addition, we have a community education program on the history of the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movements."

The free publication is intended for historical education and may be used as a driving or walking tour guide. Mr. Knepp has studied the Underground Railroad for years and helped arrange for the sites to be accepted by the Park Service. Publication of the brochure - it's in color with 30-some photographs and seven locator maps - is Mr. Knepp's dream realized.

"It will knock people's socks off," he said of the brochure. "We're excited."

Underground sites are in Batavia, Bethel, New Richmond, Moscow, Felicity and Williamsburg. Each town is represented on an individual map. Although many of the sites are privately owned, they are visible from the road.

To order the brochure, call the visitors bureau at 732-3600, or see the Web site at www.clermontcvb-ohio.com.