What was the Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes, safe houses, and individuals who aided enslaved African Americans in escaping from the southern United States to free states and Canada during the 19th century.

When did the Underground Railroad operate?

The Underground Railroad operated primarily from the late 18th century to the Civil War era, reaching its peak between 1830 and 1860.

Who were the key people involved in the Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad involved a network of diverse individuals, including escaped slaves, free African Americans, white abolitionists, Quakers, and other sympathetic individuals who risked their lives to help enslaved people escape to freedom. Harriet Tubman is one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad.

How did the Underground Railroad work?

The Underground Railroad worked through a system of `stations` or safe houses where escaping slaves could find food, shelter, and assistance along their journey to freedom. Conductors, like Harriet Tubman, guided them from one station to another, using secret routes and codes to avoid capture.

Were there actual trains involved in the Underground Railroad?

No, the term `Underground Railroad` is a metaphorical one. It does not refer to an actual railroad system or trains but rather to the covert network of routes, safe houses, and assistance used to aid enslaved individuals in their escape.

Where did the Underground Railroad lead to?

The Underground Railroad had routes that led from the southern slave states, such as Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky, to the northern free states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. Some routes extended to Canada, where slavery was abolished.

How many slaves escaped through the Underground Railroad?

The exact number of enslaved individuals who escaped through the Underground Railroad is difficult to determine, as records were often kept secret to protect those involved. Estimates range from tens of thousands to possibly hundreds of thousands.

What were the dangers of using the Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad was a perilous journey for both the escaping slaves and those assisting them. Escaped slaves faced the risk of capture, physical harm, and separation from their families if caught. Those helping them faced legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, if discovered.

Did the Underground Railroad contribute to the abolition of slavery?

While the Underground Railroad did not directly lead to the abolition of slavery, it played a crucial role in raising awareness about the cruelty and injustice of slavery. The stories of successful escapes and the bravery of those involved helped to fuel the abolitionist movement and promote the idea of emancipation.

Is there a physical Underground Railroad museum or site to visit?

Yes, there are several museums and historical sites dedicated to preserving the history of the Underground Railroad. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, Maryland, are notable examples.

Historical Marker

The Underground Railroad in Lincoln's Neighborhood

Historical marker location:

Springfield, Illinois

( Marker is on 8th Street.)

A brief timeline of the Underground Railroad

Late 18th century: The Underground Railroad begins to emerge as a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans seeking freedom in the northern states or Canada.
1793: The Fugitive Slave Act is passed in the United States, which allows slaveholders to pursue escaped slaves even in free states. This leads to an increase in the number of fugitive slaves seeking refuge through the Underground Railroad.
1810s-1830s: The Underground Railroad grows in prominence and expands its reach. Conductors, individuals who guided fugitive slaves on their journeys, play a vital role in organizing and aiding escape routes.
1831: The publication of "The Liberator," an abolitionist newspaper edited by William Lloyd Garrison, further brings attention to the cause of abolishing slavery and helps to increase support for the Underground Railroad.
1850: The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 is passed, strengthening the legal rights of slaveholders and intensifying efforts to capture and return escaped slaves. This leads to increased activity on the Underground Railroad as a response.
1852: Harriet Beecher Stowe publishes the novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which exposes the cruelty of slavery and becomes a powerful catalyst for anti-slavery sentiment in the North and beyond.
1857: The Dred Scott Supreme Court decision rules that enslaved African Americans are not entitled to freedom, regardless of whether they are living in free or slave states. This further fuels the urgency and importance of the Underground Railroad as a means of escape.
1861-1865: The American Civil War takes place, providing a significant opportunity for enslaved individuals to escape to Union lines or areas where slavery has been abolished.
Late 1860s: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, formally abolishing slavery and marking the end of the Underground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad was a clandestine network that operated over several decades, and its history is marked by countless acts of bravery and defiance against the institution of slavery. While this timeline provides a glimpse into its development, it is important to recognize the ongoing efforts of countless individuals who risked their lives to help others attain freedom.

The first McDonald's restaurant was opened in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. The restaurant was designed to be a drive-in, but it quickly became popular with families and eventually evolved into the fast-food chain we know today.

About Sangamon County

Sangamon County, located in central Illinois, has a rich history that dates back to the Native American settlements of the Kickapoo and Illinois tribes. In the early 1800s, European settlers started arriving, and the area became known for its fertile prairies that were ideal for farming. The county was officially established on January 30, 1821, and was named after the Sangamon River that runs through it.

One of the county's most significant historical moments took place in the 1830s when a young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln settled in Springfield, the county seat of Sangamon. Lincoln would go on to become one of the most influential figures in American history, practicing law and serving in the Illinois State Legislature before becoming the 16th President of the United States.

During the mid-19th century, Sangamon County played a pivotal role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Prominent activists like Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass made appearances in Springfield, contributing to the county's reputation as a hub of anti-slavery sentiment.

In the 20th century, Sangamon County experienced rapid industrialization. The automotive industry became a major employer, with several automobile manufacturing plants operating in the area. Additionally, the county became an important center for coal mining, attracting workers from surrounding regions.

Today, Sangamon County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy and a strong focus on education and culture. The county remains closely tied to its historical roots, with many landmarks and historical sites dedicated to preserving the memory and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and tourists.

Sangamon County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sangamon County, Illinois.

1818 - Sangamon County is officially formed on January 30 as part of the Illinois Territory.
1821 - The town of Springfield is designated as the county seat.
1832 - Abraham Lincoln, future 16th President of the United States, arrives in New Salem, located in Sangamon County.
1837 - The State Capitol is moved from Vandalia to Springfield, solidifying the city's role as a political center.
1842 - The first Sangamon County Courthouse is completed in Springfield.
1856 - The Illinois State Journal, a prominent newspaper, is established in Springfield.
1908 - The Sangamon County Building, now known as the Old State Capitol, becomes a historical landmark.
1909 - Construction of the current Sangamon County Courthouse is completed.
1930 - The Sangamon County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the county's history.
1962 - The Sangamon County Historical Society opens the Edwards Place Historic Site, a historic house museum in Springfield.
1982 - The first Lincoln's Festival on Route 66 is held in Springfield, celebrating Abraham Lincoln's ties to the county.
2004 - The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum opens in Springfield, attracting visitors from around the world.