The Underground Railroad (UGR) was a network of routes across the northern states traveled by fugitives from slavery. In many cases it lead to freedom in Canada, though sometimes just to safer places in Northern states. Stories associated with it stretch from Kansas to Maine, both land and sea, and even routes to Mexico and the Caribbean. Mostly it is associated with routes across the northern states. Most of the activity seems to have been in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
A typical situation would involve a slave escaping from a slave holder and making his (or her) way through southern areas with the help of other slaves, and perhaps hiding in caves, wooded areas, or mountain areas. Travel would be mostly at night with the guidance of the north star for direction. Upon reaching the north the fugitive might continue hiding in the day time. He might also approach free blacks in search of help. He may travel from black community to black community moving north, or maybe be referred to a network of Quakers who could provide hospitality, directions, sometimes temporary work for pay. Sometimes he might be referred to a vigilance committee which would provide another network for transit to farther north, and to Canada.
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Design Elements (c)
2000 Stylish Webs |
