FOUNTAIN CITY, Ind. (AP) _ Residents of an eastern Indiana town hope the community will get a boost from construction of a planned visitor center at the 19th century home that was a stop on the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves.

State officials have lined up about $1.9 million in federal grants toward a $3.2 million plan to upgrade the Levi Coffin House site in Fountain City. That plan centers on turning a neighboring house into a visitor center with exhibit space and an auditorium.

Coffin's family is credited with helping hundreds of escaped slaves during the 1840s.

Capital campaign chairman Robin Winston tells The Indianapolis Star he considers the house a symbol of freedom.

Town Council President Larry Stegall tells the Palladium-Item he believes the visitor center will bring more tourists to the community.