This secret network of routes and safe houses was used by an estimated 100,000 enslaved people to escape the southern US and reach freedom in the North and Canada. The railroad was actually a collection of routes and connections, rather than a single linear path, with various routes leading to different destinations depending on the escapees' origin.
Background
Following the American Revolution, the new United States continued the institution of slavery, particularly in the southern states, where it formed the basis of the agricultural economy. Over time, conditions worsened for enslaved people in the South, and the harshness of the system increased.
Rise of the Underground Railroad
In response to the brutal treatment they endured, enslaved people began seeking ways to escape to the North and Canada, where slavery had been abolished. Some found help from free Black communities and white allies who risked their own lives to assist them. This collaboration gave rise to the Underground Railroad.
Quaker Support
The Quaker community played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Quakers, known for their pacifist and anti-slavery beliefs, contributed both resources and manpower to the network. Prominent Quaker abolitionists such as Isaac T. Hopper, Levi Coffin, and Lucretia Mott actively supported escape efforts.
Key Leaders
In addition to Quakers, many individuals dedicated themselves to the Underground Railroad's cause, including Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Still. Tubman, known as the "Moses of her people," made 19 trips to guide enslaved people to safety, liberating more than 300 individuals.
Routes and Safe Houses
The Underground Railroad spanned multiple routes, stretching from southern states to northern cities and into Canada. Safe houses, often referred to as "stations," were established along these routes, where escapees could rest and gather strength before continuing their journey.
Challenges
The journey for enslaved people was treacherous, as the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 made it illegal to assist people escaping slavery. Despite the risks, the network of abolitionists, churches, and families proved crucial in helping enslaved people reach safety.
Impact
The Underground Railroad played a significant role in the eventual decline and abolition of slavery in the United States. It showcased the resilience and determination of enslaved people in seeking their freedom and highlighted the compassionate efforts of abolitionist allies who risked their own safety to support their cause.