What was the Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a railroad. It was a network of people who opposed slavery in the United States and helped slaves escape bondage.

Why was it called the Underground Railroad?

According to abolitionist W. M. Mitchell, in 1860, the Underground Railroad was so called because it made slaves disappear as though taken underground and ferried them to freedom with the speed of a railroad.

Who was the most famous 'conductor' of the Underground Railroad?

The most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad was Harriet Tubman.

How many slaves were conducted to freedom on the Underground Railroad?

The number of persons freed by the Underground Railroad is unknown, but estimates place the number around 500,000.

Underground Railroad Timeline

Definition

The Underground Railroad was a decentralized network of White abolitionists, free Blacks, former slaves, Mexicans, Native Americans, and others opposing slavery in the United States who established secret routes and havens to help slaves escape bondage. The system operated between circa 1780 and 1865, when slavery was abolished by the 13th Amendment.

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