Underground Railroad

Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was a key aid to slaves trying to find freedom during the 1800's. Not being an actual railroad, it was a "vast network of people who helped fugitive slaves escape to the North and to Canada" (The Underground Railroad). Through this movement hundreds of thousands of slaves were able to come to freedom from slavery and one step closer to equality.

Escaping was the first hurdle a slave would have to jump in the journey for freedom. To flee to the North was anything but easy. As a part of the Underground Railroad, they had designated people, named "Conductors", who would help guide the slaves to the next station. The fugitives would mostly travel at night, seeing they would be more easily spotted during the daytime. Traveling around ten to twenty miles every night was exhausting, and on arrival to their designated station slaves would rest and be fed then.

Resources and money were major factors in the continuation and successfulness of the Railroad. Money was often "donated by individuals and also raised by various groups, including vigilance committees" (The Underground Railroad). Along with many peoples contributing money, others helped through donating food, providing lodging or shelter, and on arriving to their destinations, supplying them with jobs and letters of recommendation.

The Underground Railroad brought many important factors to light about African Americans and their relationship to their white counterpart. Through this movement it gave "ample evidence of African American capabilities and gave expression to African American philosophy" (Introduction- Aboard the Underground Railroad). It showed their strong endurance, and almost as important, the brutality and horrific realities of slavery. This progress denied the idea of black inequality, and exemplified the truth of their equality and ability to think on their own. Africans were also able to level with white persons and work with them for this greater cause.

No one knows exactly where the term "Underground Railroad" came from. This system wasn't actually a railroad which traveled underground. This name "probably originated from the popularity of the new railroads coupled with several legendary and publicized escapes" (What was The Underground Railroad?). Most