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

Escape Via Maritime Underground Railroad

Historical marker location:

505 South Broad Street, Edenton, North Carolina

( Marker is at the intersection of South Broad Street and East Water Street on South Broad 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 state's official bird, the cardinal, is also the state bird of six other states.

About Chowan County

Chowan County, located in northeastern North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Algonquian-speaking Chowanoke Indians, who lived along the banks of the Chowan River. European colonization began in the 17th century, with the establishment of the Albemarle Settlements. In 1668, Chowan County was created as one of the original precincts of Albemarle County, making it one of the oldest counties in North Carolina.

During the colonial period, Chowan County became a center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the Albemarle Sound. The town of Edenton, founded in 1722, quickly emerged as an important port, attracting merchants and traders from across the region. Edenton became the first colonial capital of North Carolina and played a significant role in shaping the state's early history. The town was known for its wealthy and influential residents, many of whom were involved in politics and the American Revolution.

In the 19th century, Chowan County's economy shifted primarily to agriculture, with cotton and tobacco becoming major cash crops. The county experienced the effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction, which brought significant changes to the region. Despite the challenges, Chowan County remained an agricultural and commercial hub, with Edenton continuing to serve as a trading center.

In the 20th century, Chowan County experienced gradual growth and modernization. The county's agricultural focus diminished, and new industries, such as manufacturing and tourism, emerged. Edenton's rich historical heritage and picturesque waterfront attracted visitors, leading to a revival of the town's economy. Today, Chowan County preserves its historical charm while embracing progress and continues to offer a unique glimpse into North Carolina's colonial and agricultural past.

Chowan County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Chowan County, North Carolina.

1668 - Chowan County is established as the first county in North Carolina
1680 - Edenton, the county seat, is established as the capital of the colony of Carolina
1730 - St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the oldest surviving church building in North Carolina, is constructed in Edenton
1767 - Edenton Tea Party, an early act of resistance against British rule, takes place
1862 - During the Civil War, Union forces occupy Edenton and the county suffers from the effects of the war
1940 - The Chowan County Courthouse, built in 1767, is destroyed by a fire
1970 - The modern Chowan County Courthouse is constructed