The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad

During the Civil War many African Americans were persecuted and treated as slaves. They were brought from their own homes and forced to come to America, where they were tortured. However, The Underground Railroad was one way in which the slaves escaped to freedom.

Its name may be "The Underground Railroad," but it was nothing of the sort; it was not a train whatsoever, and it worked through a network of "stations" and "conductors". This railroad was mentioned by none other than George Washington, and he documented its existence as early as 1786. The stations were made up of safe houses set in a spasmodic course to different safe spots in the country. The conductors were people who believed in the freedom of African Americans, who helped slaves escape the south, and taught them secret codes to use on their way.

Harriet Tubman was one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad in American History. She fought with determination and helped save hundreds of slaves in her lifetime. She had a record of 19 trips to the South after her 25 years in slavery. Once she discovered that she would be separated from her family, she formulated her departure. One of the neighbors told her of a safehouse to which she should go. Once she escaped, she hid in the back of a covered wagon, then she made it to Philadelphia on her own. In Harriet's words, 'freedom was heaven'. She became known as "Moses" and the south as "Egypt". A World War II battle ship was named in her honor.

The Underground Railroad helped thousands of slaves escape persecution and harassment. Once the Civil War ended in 1865, the thirteenth amendment ended slavery. It was ratified by the required Ñ* of the states December 18, 1865. Many African Americans were supported and given guidance. Many reached freedom, however, there were some that were captured and sent back to their plantations; "The Fugitive Slave Act" encouraged that. Thankfully, the United States had an authoritative president and Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery. The abolition of slavery was very important in the destruction of the Confederacy.

Works Cited

17 November 2005. "1831 Underground Railroad".

http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/timeline/railroad.html