The Stephen Sharp House stands at 8025 Africa Road in Westerville, Ohio. This historic residence served as a station on the Underground Railroad, providing refuge to enslaved people seeking freedom before the Civil War.

The Stephen Sharp House stands at 8025 Africa Road in Westerville, Ohio. This historic residence served as a station on the Underground Railroad, providing refuge to enslaved people seeking freedom before the Civil War.

Compiled May 20, 2025

I. Introduction: A Historic Landmark Amidst Modern Growth

The Stephen Sharp House, located at 8025 Africa Road in Westerville, Ohio, stands as a property of profound historical significance, serving as a tangible link to a pivotal era in American history. Its primary distinction lies in its crucial role as a station on the Underground Railroad, the clandestine network that provided safe passage for enslaved people seeking freedom before the Civil War.1 This historic home is now situated within a major economic development initiative undertaken by the City of Westerville, known as the East of Africa Road project, which involves the strategic expansion of the successful Westar Place business park.4

The City of Westerville has expressed an explicit commitment to preserving the Sharp House for “adaptive reuse” as part of this large-scale development.5 The city’s proactive acquisition of the 88-acre “historic Sharp House property” for this significant economic development project, while simultaneously dedicating resources to the house’s adaptive reuse, demonstrates a sophisticated and deliberate urban planning approach. This strategy moves beyond mere preservation; it represents an intentional integration of historical heritage into a modern economic landscape. The decision to invest in such a large-scale commercial and job growth initiative, yet safeguard a historic structure within its footprint, suggests a clear recognition of the intrinsic cultural and historical value of the property, indicating that this value is seen as complementary to, rather than an impediment to, economic progress. The city’s commitment to this dual objective underscores a progressive vision for community development.

The city’s decision to hire a project manager for this undertaking further emphasizes its dedication to meticulously overseeing the preservation of this historic asset while simultaneously advancing significant economic growth [User Query]. This role is critical for navigating the complexities inherent in balancing historical integrity with modern development demands.

 

II. The Sharp Family’s Roots in Westerville: Founders and Abolitionists

The history of the Sharp House is inextricably linked to the Sharp family, who were foundational figures in the establishment and early development of Westerville. Garrit Sharp, the family patriarch, arrived as an original settler of “Sharp’s Settlement,” the precursor to modern-day Westerville, around 1810.1 His contributions to the nascent community were substantial, including donating land for and helping to organize Westerville’s first Methodist church.1 Garrit Sharp was also instrumental in establishing the Blendon Young Men’s Seminary, an institution that later evolved into Otterbein University, notably admitting African Americans and women from its founding in 1847.1

Garrit Sharp, like many Methodists of his era, was an ardent abolitionist, a conviction that profoundly shaped his family’s actions and the character of early Westerville.1 This strong anti-slavery stance was deeply ingrained and passed down to his sons, including Stephen Sharp.1 The Sharp family’s foundational role in Westerville’s civic and educational institutions was thus profoundly intertwined with their fervent abolitionist activities. This suggests that their anti-slavery work was not a peripheral endeavor but a core expression of their community values and religious convictions, shaping the very identity of early Westerville. The repeated emphasis on their Methodist faith and its connection to their abolitionism indicates a causal link between their beliefs and their social activism. As instrumental figures in founding the town and its key institutions, the Sharp family effectively wove their abolitionist values into the fabric of the community from its inception, imbuing Westerville with an early and strong identity rooted in social justice.

The Sharp family homes, strategically located on N. State Street and Africa Road, formed a critical network on the Underground Railroad route through Westerville.1 This concentration of family homes dedicated to aiding freedom seekers was significant, potentially representing the largest such network in Ohio outside of the John Brown family houses in Ashtabula County.1

Several key Sharp residences were involved in these vital activities:

  • Garrit Sharp’s home (Alkire House): Built in 1849 at 259 N. State Street, this residence served as a meeting place in Westerville and a safehouse for freedom seekers.1
  • Stephen Sharp’s home: Stephen, one of Garrit’s sons, resided in the stately home at 8025 Africa Road, constructed between 1857 and 1858.1 This house is the primary subject of current preservation efforts.
  • Joseph Sharp’s home: Another son of Garrit, Joseph, resided at 8216 Africa Road, a property also known as Yarnell’s Farm, built circa 1843.1
  • Garry Sharp’s house: Garry, another son, built a house around 1857 on the current site of St. Paul’s Catholic Church on N. State Street, though this structure was unfortunately demolished in 2001.1

From these Sharp homes, freedom seekers would continue their perilous journey north, typically proceeding to the house of Samuel Patterson along Alum Creek and then further into a Quaker settlement near Marengo in Morrow County.1 This deep connection between the family’s founding principles, religious conviction, and direct action elevates their story beyond individual acts of heroism to a broader narrative of how community values can be shaped and expressed through the actions of its early leaders. It highlights the historical significance of Westerville itself as a place built on abolitionist ideals, making the preservation of the Stephen Sharp House not merely about a building, but about the town’s foundational identity.

 

Key Sharp Family Historic Homes in Westerville

Home/Owner Address Construction Date (Approx.) Key Significance Current Status
Garrit Sharp’s Home (Alkire House) 259 N. State Street 1849 Underground Railroad station, meeting place Existing
Stephen Sharp’s Home 8025 Africa Road 1857-58 Underground Railroad station, National Register of Historic Places, mid-19th century rural architecture Preserved by City
Joseph Sharp’s Home 8216 Africa Road circa 1843 Underground Railroad station, Yarnell’s Farm Existing
Garry Sharp’s House Former site on N. State Street circa 1857 Underground Railroad station Demolished 2001

III. The Stephen Sharp House: A Sanctuary on the Underground Railroad

The Stephen Sharp House at 8025 Africa Road is a significant example of mid-nineteenth century rural architecture in Delaware County.1 It was constructed between 1857 and 1858, with a one-story addition built approximately two decades later.1 The house features a straightforward four-bay front, plain sandstone lintels, and a Greek Revival style front entrance with sidelights, characteristic of its era.3 The site originally included six brick outbuildings, most of which were erected in the latter part of the 19th century.3

Stephen Alfred Sharp, Garrit’s son, was a respected community figure, serving as both a teacher and a justice of the peace.1 A unique detail of the house, and a testament to Stephen’s personal circumstances, is the presence of specially crafted doorknobs. These were designed to accommodate Stephen, who had lost the use of one hand due to a childhood fire-related injury, and they remain in the house to this day.9

Basement of the Sharp House

Beyond its architectural and personal details, the Stephen Sharp House played a pivotal role as a sanctuary for freedom seekers. The house was specifically adapted for clandestine operations, featuring a stone and brick fireplace that served as a tunnel.9 This hidden passage allowed formerly enslaved individuals to crawl through to access a dug-out earthen area for hiding.9 This detailed description of a structural modification, rather than a generic hiding spot, indicates a sophisticated and intentional commitment to aiding freedom seekers, suggesting a level of planning and risk-taking that goes beyond simple hospitality. The presence of such a dedicated, concealed passage implies a deliberate architectural adaptation for the purpose of hiding, demonstrating a higher degree of involvement and commitment from the Sharp family. They were not merely opening their doors; they were modifying their home to facilitate these dangerous journeys. This level of detail makes the house a tangible artifact of the Underground Railroad’s operational methods, underscoring the extreme risks taken by both the freedom seekers and the Sharp family, and highlighting the ingenuity and bravery required for such clandestine operations.

Recognizing its national significance, the Stephen Sharp House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.3

IV. Preservation in Progress: The Sharp House and Westerville’s East of Africa Road Development

The Stephen Sharp House is currently at the nexus of Westerville’s ambitious economic development plans. In 2023, the City of Westerville, with assistance from the nonprofit Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation (WICC), acquired four tracts of land totaling 88 acres located east of Africa Road.4 This acquisition represents the city’s largest single capital investment project, designed for economic development, commercial use, and job growth, serving as a strategic extension of the highly successful Westar Place business park.4 The property is situated south of OhioHealth and Polaris Parkway on Africa Road, directly across from Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians (COPC).4

Extensive infrastructure development is currently underway, funded by over $30 million for critical infrastructure.6 This includes the creation of new roadways, such as the extension of Westar Boulevard and Hoff Road, which will connect at a roundabout, along with the installation of utilities, stormwater management systems, greenways, and parks.4 The infrastructure build is tentatively scheduled to begin in Spring 2025 and continue until Fall 2026.4

Despite the extensive nature of this commercial development, the City of Westerville has explicitly committed to preserving the historic Sharp House for “adaptive reuse”.5 This commitment is an integral part of the city’s broader strategy to “preserve key natural features as greenways, create a pathway connecting different parts of the developed city and protect the historical Sharp family home”.7 The city’s decision to undertake a massive infrastructure project and acquire 88 acres for economic development, while simultaneously prioritizing the preservation of the Sharp House, highlights a deliberate and potentially challenging balancing act between rapid urban expansion and historical stewardship. This demonstrates a progressive approach to urban planning where heritage is seen as an asset, not a liability. The sheer size and economic ambition of the “East of Africa Road” project create immense pressure on any existing structures within its footprint. The fact that the city chose to acquire the land and then committed to preserving the house, rather than acquiring and demolishing, indicates a strong policy decision to integrate heritage into growth. This complex undertaking requires careful planning to ensure the historic structure’s integrity is maintained while fitting into a modern commercial environment, suggesting a recognition that historical assets can contribute to the unique identity and appeal of a new development.

The hiring of a project manager is a critical step in ensuring that the preservation of the Sharp House is seamlessly integrated into this complex and large-scale development [User Query]. This role will be responsible for navigating the intricacies of historical preservation requirements alongside modern construction and economic development goals, ensuring the house’s future while honoring its past. This specialized expertise is essential for the successful execution of such a multifaceted endeavor.

V. Conclusion: Honoring Heritage, Shaping the Future

The Stephen Sharp House stands as a powerful testament to Westerville’s rich past, embodying a dual significance: it is both a family home deeply rooted in the town’s founding and a vital, tangible link to the courageous efforts of the Underground Railroad.1 Its preservation is a recognition of its enduring role as a symbol of abolitionist ideals and the relentless pursuit of freedom in 19th-century Ohio.

The City of Westerville’s approach to the East of Africa Road development exemplifies a forward-thinking vision that balances ambitious economic growth with a profound respect for its historical roots. The preservation of the Sharp House within this significant development demonstrates a clear commitment to integrating heritage into the city’s future landscape, rather than sacrificing it for progress.4 The preservation of this specific house, with its strong ties to abolitionism, sends a clear message about the values Westerville wishes to project as it grows. It is not merely about saving any old building, but one that embodies a core aspect of its historical character—a commitment to freedom and social progress. Integrating a moral historical narrative into a modern economic narrative is a sophisticated act of forming civic identity.

The crucial role of the newly appointed project manager underscores the city’s dedication to this integrated vision. The project manager will serve as a facilitator and guardian of this historical treasure, ensuring its story continues to be told and its legacy preserved for future generations amidst Westerville’s ongoing growth.5 The success of this project could serve as a model for other municipalities facing similar dilemmas between development and preservation, illustrating that historical preservation can be a component of sustainable and desirable urban growth. The Sharp House becomes a living monument, a constant reminder of the city’s origins and enduring principles, even as its surroundings transform.

The Westerville News Sharp House Articles

The Westerville News East of Africa Articles

  • East of Africa Approved (Dec 4, 2024): Westerville City Council approved the East of Africa infrastructure project, converting 88 acres of farmland on Africa Road into five parcels divided by new roadways and green space.
  • East of Africa Public Hearing Tuesday (Nov 18, 2024): Westerville’s City Council scheduled a public comment session on the “East of Africa” development project, aiming to transform a section of land east of Africa Road into a business and employment hub.
  • Planning Commission Tables East Of Africa (Sep 26, 2024): The Westerville Planning Commission voted to table plans for developing the 88-acre plot of land known as East of Africa, which the city had purchased the previous year.
  • East of Africa Construction Begins, Early (Mar 11, 2025): Contractors began converting 88 acres of farmland into the East of Africa development, ahead of the ceremonial groundbreaking.
  • East of Africa Groundbreaking (Mar 12, 2025): A groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled at the Sharp Home on Africa Road for the East of Africa project, initiating the construction of roads dividing the farmland into four sections.
  • East of Africa Begins In Ceremonial Groundbreaking (Mar 13, 2025): Official ceremonies marked the start of Westerville’s “East of Africa” development, transforming 88 acres along Africa Road into a commercial corridor.
  • Cleared Fields At East of Africa (Apr 18, 2025): Contractors cleared trees from the East of Africa site, preparing the ground for roads and infrastructure to promote economic development.
  • East of Africa For Sale (Apr 24, 2025): Westerville listed four sites within the East of Africa development for sale, including 15 acres in Subarea A bordering Africa Road, excluding the Sharp House.
  • West of East of Africa (May 1, 2025): The city planned to extend Westar Boulevard to connect with roads and developments related to the East of Africa project, involving property acquisitions along Africa Road.

Works cited in this document

  1. Underground Railroad – Sharp Family Homes · Teaching Columbus
  2. Africa Road acreage to be developed – Delaware Gazette
  3. Westerville to develop Africa Road area – Delaware Gazette
  4. Westerville Breaks Ground On East Of Africa Road Development – 1808Delaware
  5. Westerville expands with $30M project; locals express mixed emotions – 10TV
  6. Alkire House – Wikipedia
  7. Sharp Family Homes: Stephen Sharp – Clio
  8. The Underground Railroad in Westerville, Ohio – Histories and Mysteries