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

Underground Railroad

Historical marker location:

38 University Avenue, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

( Marker is on University Avenue, 0.1 miles south of St. George Street.)

Marker installed: 1954

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.

Pennsylvania was home to the first all-volunteer firefighting company in America, which was established in Philadelphia in 1736.

About Union County

Union County, Pennsylvania has a rich history that encompasses the early Native American tribes, the arrival of European settlers, and the development of an enduring community. The region was originally home to the Native American tribes of the Susquehannocks and the Delaware Indians, who relied on the fertile land and abundant forests for their livelihoods. However, the arrival of European settlers in the mid-18th century led to significant changes.

In 1749, the Province of Pennsylvania created Northumberland County, which included what is now Union County. However, as settlement continued to spread, the vast size of Northumberland County became impractical. Consequently, on March 22, 1813, Union County was formed from a portion of Northumberland County. It was named in honor of the newly formed union between the American colonies and the United States. The county's rich agricultural land attracted settlers who were mostly farmers, and with time, it became a distinctive and prosperous region.

Throughout its history, Union County witnessed significant growth and development. The establishment of the Pennsylvania Canal in the 1830s brought economic opportunities, enabling goods to be transported more efficiently between regions. The arrival of the railroads in the mid-19th century further fueled growth, connecting Union County to the broader national network of trade and transportation. These advancements led to the establishment of industries such as milling, manufacturing, and lumbering, diversifying the local economy.

Union County's strong agricultural heritage also played a crucial role in its history. The region's fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for farming, particularly for dairy farming and the production of crops such as corn, wheat, and oats. This agricultural legacy remains a significant part of the county’s identity, and Union County is still known for its thriving farming communities.

Today, Union County is a vibrant and growing community that celebrates its past while embracing the future. With a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and a dedication to preserving its heritage, the county offers a charming glimpse into Pennsylvania's pioneering spirit and rich cultural history.

Union County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Union County, Pennsylvania.

1813 - Union County is formed from parts of Northumberland County.
1815 - The town of New Berlin becomes the county seat.
1821 - Lewisburg is incorporated as a borough.
1846 - The Bucknell University is founded in Lewisburg.
1855 - Millmont is incorporated as a borough.
1864 - The Battle of New Market takes place during the American Civil War.
1895 - The Lewisburg Area School District is established.
1950 - The county's population reaches its peak at over 37,000 residents.
1960 - The Union County Historical Society is formed.
1970 - Hartleton is incorporated as a borough.
1991 - The county celebrates its bicentennial.