The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was not a real railroad. It was a secret network of people and safe houses. It helped enslaved people escape from the South to free states and Canada. Brave helpers risked their lives to guide them to safety. This happened mostly in the 1800s before the Civil War.

How It Worked

Escaping people were called 'passengers.' The helpers were called 'conductors.' Safe houses where they could hide were called 'stations.' People traveled mostly at night and used the stars to find their way.

An old print about people who worked to end slavery.
An old print about people who worked to end slavery. (Clay, Edward Williams, 1799-1857, lithographer / Wikimedia Commons)

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was a famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. She had escaped slavery herself. Then she returned to help many others find freedom. She made about 13 trips and guided around 70 people to safety.

Fun Facts

  • People followed the North Star to find their way north to freedom.
  • Some people think quilts with special patterns were used as secret maps.
  • Harriet Tubman was called 'Moses' because she led people to freedom.

Did You Know?

Historians believe about 100,000 enslaved people escaped using the Underground Railroad.