In 1854, Julia Wilson, 14, traveled to Madison, Indiana, the seat of Jefferson County, from Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi, by way of what was known as a “Black Pass.”

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1880, the Indianapolis Journal, published 4,500-word essay on prominent Black citizens living in the Circle City....

For about three years, I've had somewhat of a love affair with a man who has been dead nearly 140 years. And yes, my husband knows all...