The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people in the United States to escape to free states and Canada. Many individuals and groups were involved in the Underground Railroad, including:
Harriet Tubman: Known as the "Moses of her people," Harriet Tubman was an African-American abolitionist and political activist. She escaped slavery in 1849 and made 19 trips back to the South to lead over 300 enslaved people to freedom.
Frederick Douglass: An African-American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman, Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in 1838. He became a leading advocate for the abolition of slavery, and his autobiography, "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," is a powerful account of his experiences as a slave.
William Still: An African-American abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, William Still kept meticulous records of the people he helped escape. His book, "The Underground Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters," published in 1872, provides valuable insights into the Underground Railroad and the lives of the people who sought freedom.
Levi Coffin: A Quaker abolitionist and businessman, Levi Coffin played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad. He was known as the "President of the Underground Railroad" and helped over 3,000 enslaved people escape to freedom.
Thomas Garrett: An abolitionist and Quaker from Wilmington, Delaware, Thomas Garrett was a prominent conductor on the Underground Railroad. He helped hundreds of enslaved people reach freedom, including Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.
John Brown: An abolitionist and radical activist, John Brown is best known for his raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, which aimed to spark a slave rebellion. While his raid was unsuccessful, it further intensified the tensions leading to the American Civil War.
These are just a few examples of the many people who were involved in the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a truly collaborative effort involving a diverse group of individuals and organizations who risked their lives to help enslaved people achieve freedom.