Boxer Joe Louis began a historic run of title defenses beginning in 1939, the same year he purchased the Spring Hill Farm in the Shelby Township north of Detroit, Mich. In the 1800s, the farm also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, marked by what was known as the “Beacon Tree.”
Farm owners Peter and Sarah Lerich were strong supporters of the anti-slavery movement, allowing their lands to be used in the effort to help escaped slaves from the south flee into Canada. The Lerichs dug a large cave on their property, covering it with a cedar tree that became the landmark escaping slaves would look for in their journey to freedom.
According to various historical accounts, the Lerichs fed, clothed and aided the slaves as they made their way. The Beacon Tree would not stand, however, as the Lerichs sold the farm in 1888 and it was unceremoniously turned into fence posts. However, history has been kind to the tree’s memory and Michigan’s place in the abolitionist movement by way of a series of books and websites devoted to the subject.
In 1939, Joe Louis’ manager, John Roxborough, brought the Spring Hill property and modernized the 500-acre farm with electricity and horse tracks. Louis was a huge fan of horse racing, holding annual horse shows at the farm. Louis also built a nightclub and restaurant there, and it became a popular destination for Black patrons in the state.
In 1944, due to financial difficulties, Joe Louis was eventually forced to sell the farm. Today, Spring Hill is now known as the River Bends Park.
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