THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

WHAT WAS THE UNDERGROUND Railroad?

• The Underground Railroad was a vast system of trails and underground tunnels to lead slaves to freedom.

WHERE DID IT LEAD TO AND WHAT STATES DID IT RUN THROUGH?

• It led to free northern states and Canada
• It had stops in 23 different states including Vermont
• It ran through many other states
• Started in Ripley, Ohio

IMPORTANT PEOPLE

• Harriet Tubman- Made many trips back as a "conductor" after escaping herself in 1849. She escorted over 300 slaves to freedom.
• Levi Coffin- White Quaker who assisted over 3,000 slaves to freedom.

WHAT WAS IT USED FOR?

• It helped transport thousands of slaves to freedom in the north and to Canada

VOCABULARY

• Conductor- a guide through the railroad
• Station- someone's house or barn that was a rest stop for slaves
• Stationmaster- the person who runs the stations

INTERESTING FACTS

• One of George Washington's slaves ran away through the railroad.
• Over 300 slaves traveled through the railroad each year.