The Underground Railroad

Overview of the Underground Railroad

• The Underground Railroad was primarily used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom.

Operation and Establishment

• The Underground Railroad primarily operated in the United States, specifically in the Northern states and bordering areas of the South.
• The network was assisted by abolitionists, both black and white, who helped establish the routes and safe houses.

Destinations and Routes

• In addition to Canada, some Underground Railroad routes led to other safe havens in the Northern states, such as New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
• Some routes also led to Mexico and the Caribbean Islands.

History and Time Period

• The network known as the Underground Railroad began in the late 18th century, with its peak operation during the 1840s and 1850s.
• The Underground Railroad was established during the period of American history known as the Antebellum Era, which spanned from the late 18th century to the start of the Civil War in 1861.

Purpose and Key Individuals

• The Underground Railroad routes were primarily used for escape and emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
• Primary individuals responsible for establishing the Underground Railroad included prominent abolitionists, such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and John Brown.

Destinations and Exceptions

• The Southern states were not a destination for the Underground Railroad routes, as they were the primary areas where slavery was practiced.
• Some routes led to areas that were not as commonly known for their role in the Underground Railroad, such as the American West and the British Caribbean.