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:

Preston, Maryland

( Marker is on Linchester Road, 0.1 miles north of Maryland Route 331, on the right when traveling south.)

Seed of War

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.

Maryland was the first state to pass a law requiring free public education: In 1827, Maryland became the first state to pass a law requiring free public education for all children. The law was initially aimed at poor children, but eventually expanded to include all children regardless of their economic status.

About Caroline County

Caroline County is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1774. The area was initially inhabited by the Nanticoke tribe, who lived off the abundant natural resources in the region. The county was named after Lady Caroline Eden, the wife of the last colonial governor of Maryland, Robert Eden.

During the American Revolutionary War, Caroline County played an important role as many of its residents joined the fight for independence. The county was home to several notable patriots, including Samuel Chase, who signed the Declaration of Independence. After the war, agriculture became the main economic driver in the county, with tobacco and wheat being the primary crops.

In the 19th century, Caroline County witnessed significant changes due to advancements in transportation. The construction of railroads, such as the Queen Anne's Railroad in the mid-1800s, facilitated the movement of goods and people, stimulating economic growth. The county also played a key role in the underground railroad, with notable abolitionist figures like Harriet Tubman, who was born in nearby Dorchester County, leading enslaved individuals to freedom through the Eastern Shore.

The 20th century brought further changes to Caroline County, including the decline of agriculture and the rise of manufacturing and tourism. The county experienced a boom in the canning industry, with companies like Vlasic Pickles and Maryland Canning establishing operations within its borders. Additionally, the opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1952 made the area more accessible, attracting tourists to its picturesque landscapes and charming small towns.

Today, Caroline County continues to embrace its agricultural roots while also diversifying its economy. The county remains an important center for farming, but it has also seen growth in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Caroline County's rich history, scenic beauty, and close-knit community make it an attractive place to live and visit on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Caroline County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Caroline County, Maryland.

1707 - Caroline County was established as a part of Queen Anne's County in the Province of Maryland.
1773 - Caroline County became its own separate county.
1801 - The town of Denton was established as the county seat.
1800s - The county saw growth and development in agriculture, with tobacco being a major crop.
1862 - The county experienced Civil War conflict during the Battle of Fredericksburg.
20th century - The county's economy shifted towards poultry farming and canning industries.
1960s - Civil Rights movements impacted the county with demonstrations and protests for racial equality.
1990s - The county experienced population growth and an increase in residential and commercial development.