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

Historical marker location:

100 French St, Wilmington, Delaware

( Marker is on Rosa Parks Drive just west of French Street, on the left when traveling west.)

Marker installed: 1976

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Delaware.

The District of Delaware is home to several historic landmarks, including the Old New Castle Courthouse, which was built in 1732 and served as the state's first courthouse, and the Nemours Estate, a mansion built in the early 20th century by Alfred I. du Pont. The district is also home to several museums, including the Delaware Art Museum and the Hagley Museum and Library.

About New Castle County

New Castle County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the earliest European settlements in the region. The area was originally home to the Lenape Native American tribe before Dutch explorers arrived in the early 17th century. The colony of New Sweden was established in the mid-1600s, but it was eventually taken over by the Dutch and later the English, who named the area New Castle after the city in England.

In the 18th century, New Castle County played a significant role in the American Revolution. It was home to several key figures, including Caesar Rodney, who famously rode from Delaware to Philadelphia to cast the deciding vote for American independence. The area was also a critical shipping and trading port, attracting merchants and businessmen from all over the region.

As the 19th century dawned, New Castle County transitioned from an agrarian society to an industrial hub. The growth of the county was fueled by the construction of canals and railroads, which brought prosperity and commerce to the area. Industries such as textiles, paper, and shipbuilding thrived during this time, attracting a wave of immigrants who found work and settled in the county.

In the 20th century, New Castle County experienced rapid urbanization and suburbanization. Wilmington, the county seat, grew into a major financial and corporate center, with the presence of large banking and chemical industries. The county also saw significant population growth, as people moved from rural areas to live closer to employment opportunities. In recent decades, New Castle County has focused on attracting high-tech industries and promoting economic development while preserving its historical landmarks and natural beauty.

New Castle County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of New Castle County, Delaware.

New Castle County is founded by Dutch colonists and named after the city of Nieuw-Amstel, which later becomes New Castle, in 1664.
In 1682, New Castle County becomes part of the newly formed British colony of Delaware.
During the American Revolutionary War, New Castle County sees military action, including the Battle of Cooch's Bridge in 1777.
In 1801, the state capital is moved from New Castle to Dover, but New Castle County remains an important economic and cultural center.
The Industrial Revolution leads to the growth of manufacturing and industry in New Castle County in the 19th century.
In the early 20th century, New Castle County experiences rapid urbanization and population growth.
During World War II, New Castle County becomes a military hub with the construction of the New Castle Army Air Base.
After the war, New Castle County continues to grow and develop, becoming a major center for banking, finance, and healthcare.