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

Humboldt Underground Railroad

Historical marker location:

Humboldt, Kansas

( Marker is on 1st Street, on the left when traveling north.)

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.

Before becoming a state, Kansas was the site of many battles and conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups, earning it the nickname "Bleeding Kansas."

About Allen County

Allen County, located in Kansas, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. Prehistoric Native American tribes, including the Osage and Kansa, were the first inhabitants of the region. These tribes relied on hunting, gathering, and agriculture to sustain their communities.

The European settlement of Allen County began in the mid-19th century when French fur trappers and traders established trading posts in the area. The La Harpe and Neosho River valleys were particularly attractive to settlers due to the fertile soil and natural resources. Allen County was officially organized in 1855 and named after Colonel William Allen, a prominent politician and attorney.

During the Civil War, Allen County was divided in its loyalty, with some residents siding with the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The region experienced skirmishes and raids by Confederate bushwhackers, leading to instability and tension. After the war, agriculture became the primary economic activity in Allen County, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Allen County underwent significant changes due to industrialization and modernization. The arrival of railroads connected the county to larger markets and facilitated the growth of industries such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Coal mining became a major industry, attracting immigrants from various parts of Europe to work in the mines. The town of Iola, the county seat, became an important center of commerce and industry.

Today, Allen County continues to be a thriving community with a diverse economy and a strong sense of history. It preserves its heritage through various historical sites and museums, reflecting the challenging and evolving history of the region.

Allen County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Allen County, Kansas.

1855: Allen County, KS is established as a county in the Territory of Kansas.
1861: The first post office in Allen County is established.
1863: The first railroad is built in Allen County, contributing to its growth and development.
1864: Allen County becomes a part of the newly formed state of Kansas.
1870: The town of Iola is surveyed and platted, becoming the county seat of Allen County.
1871: The county's first newspaper, the Iola Register, is founded.
1893: The Allen County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is completed.
1902: The first oil well is drilled in Allen County, leading to the growth of the oil industry in the region.
1919: The Emerson Big Inch Pipeline, an important oil pipeline, is constructed in Allen County.
1931: The City of Humboldt is struck by a devastating tornado, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.
1943: The Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant is established in Allen County, contributing to the local economy during World War II.
1966: The Allen County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
2007: The Allen County War Memorial, honoring local veterans, is dedicated in Iola.