Harriet Tubman and The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad, but a clandestine network of secret routes, safe houses, and individuals who aided enslaved African Americans in their escape from slavery in the United States. This network existed during the 19th century, primarily before the Civil War when slavery was legal in many Southern states.

Enslaved individuals seeking freedom would travel by foot, boat, or other means to reach the Northern states or Canada, where slavery was either prohibited or less prevalent. Conductors, who were usually abolitionists or sympathetic individuals, would guide and shelter escapees along the way, often using coded language and signals to communicate secretly.

Harriet Tubman, herself a former slave, became one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad, leading over 300 enslaved people to freedom through her daring missions.

The Underground Railroad played a crucial role in helping thousands of enslaved individuals escape to freedom, and its legacy stands as a testament to the bravery, determination, and resilience of those who sought liberty in the face of immense danger and oppression.

• Select a category

  8