The Underground Railroad

The underground railroad was first documented around 1831 and it was a way for slaves to find their way to freedom. It was reported in a newspaper in 1839 in Washington after there was an escaped slave named Jim that was forced to talk. He told them about following an “underground railroad to Boston.” It was known as a network of safe housing and ways for slaves to go to states where slavery wasn't an issue or other countries were there was no slave trade like parts of the Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada. The underground railroad was ran by a group of abolitionists that wanted to help free slaves.  

Many slaves were led to freedom using the Underground Railroad. By around 1850, there were about 100,000 slaves freed. The first reported successful escape was done by Tice Davids, which he went from Kentucky to Ohio. Those that were escaping were “freedom seekers” rather than a “runaway” or  a “fugitive.” Those that were escaping were looking for a fresh start, not to do something wrong by running away.

The Underground Railroad was neither an actual railroad or underground. The reason of it being called the Underground Railroad is because they used railroad terminology. For example, “conductors” were the people that helped guide the fugitive enslaved people. The places that were safe hiding spots were called as “stations” or “depots.” Those that ran these spots were known as “stationmasters.” Those that were “stationmasters” were everyday people with other jobs like farming or being a minister. One of the first reported people that helped someone escape using this was Levi Coffin. Levi was 15 when he helped his first person escape.

The Underground Railroad became more organized after the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This act was made strengthen past the first act in 1793 and made it that the penalties were worse and this just made the underground railroad more organized and thought out. 

Some of the most remembered conductors of the Underground Railroad were John Brown, Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass. John Brown was a conductor during the time of him establishing the League of Gileadites. He also lead a raid on Harper’s Ferry.

Harriet Tubman is considered the most famous conductor. She was first named Araminta Ross and was called Harriet Tubman after she escaped. She had escaped a plantation that was located in Maryland along with her two brothers. The three of them went back to the plantation after a few weeks and then she left again by herself and she went to Pennsylvania. She returned multiple times to help rescue others. She claimed to have a vision of God and after this, she became a part of the Underground Railroad and helped guide slaves to Maryland. 

Frederick Douglass was a former slave and was known as a writer. He hid slaves in his home that was located in Rochester, New York, which helped slaves find their way to Canada. He helped around 400 slaves make their way to Canada. 

The Underground Railroad’s operation ended around 1863 during the Civil War. Those that were able to use the Underground railroad were able to find freedom in different areas and go have new opportunities in different states or countries. 

sources:

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/undergroundrailroad/what-is-the-underground-railroad.htm

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/underground-railroad#who-ran-the-underground-railroad