By 1808Delaware
A recent article in CityScene Magazine, titled “Celebrating Black History by Honoring Abraham Depp and Lucy Depp Park,” shines a spotlight on a historic community in southern Delaware County. Written by Maisie Fitzmaurice, the piece explores the rich and important history of Lucy Depp Park, located near the intersection of Harriott Road and Dublin-Prospect Road in Shawnee Hills.
The article begins:
“Less than a quarter-mile north of the Village of Shawnee Hills is a quiet community known as Lucy Depp Park, carrying rich, and sometimes little-known history. At its peak, the Park served as both a residential community and a resort-style vacation haven for Black families. Here, they could swim, fish, ride horses, row boats, celebrate, and gather—free from racial persecution.”
Read the full CityScene Magazine article here.
A Legacy of Resilience and Community
Lucy Depp Park traces its origins to Abraham Depp, a freed slave from Virginia who established Delaware County’s first African-American-owned farm in 1835. The property later played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, offering sanctuary to escaped slaves on their journey to freedom in Canada. During the day, runaways hid in limestone caves along the Scioto River, waiting for the Depp family’s bell signal at night, which indicated it was safe to move.
In the 1920s, Abraham Depp’s daughter, Lucinda (Lucy) Depp, sold part of the land to her cousin Robert Goode, who transformed it into a 102-acre subdivision known as Lucy Depp Park. Designed as a summer retreat and residential community for African-Americans, it became a peaceful getaway for families from Columbus and beyond. Among its distinguished visitors was legendary heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis.
Preserving the Past, Celebrating the Future
Today, many of the original homes remain, and the community continues to honor its history through annual events, historical markers, and a beloved holiday light show. Lucy Depp Park stands as a testament to African-American resilience, community, and cultural heritage.
