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 Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

Historical marker location:

4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, Maryland

( Marker can be reached from Golden Hill Road south of Key Wallace Drive, on the right when traveling south.)

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 Maryland.

Maryland played a pivotal role in the American Revolution: Maryland was the site of several important battles during the American Revolution, including the Battle of Camden, the Battle of Cowpens, and the Battle of Yorktown. Additionally, Maryland's own soldiers played a crucial role in the war effort, including the famous "Maryland 400" who held off a British attack at the Battle of Long Island in 1776.

About Dorchester County

Dorchester County, Maryland, located on the Eastern Shore, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Nanticoke and Choptank tribes, who relied on the region's natural resources for survival. European settlers arrived in the 17th century and established the town of Cambridge in 1684, which would later become the county seat.

During the colonial era, Dorchester County became a major center for tobacco cultivation and trade. The county's economy thrived on the labor of enslaved Africans, who were brought to the area to work on the plantations. The presence of plantations and the subsequent introduction of the Underground Railroad led to Dorchester County becoming an important site for the escape of enslaved individuals seeking freedom in the North.

In the 19th century, the county's economy gradually shifted away from agriculture and towards industry. The construction of the Cambridge and Seaford Railroad in 1865 encouraged industrial development, leading to the establishment of canneries, oyster canning factories, and shipyards in the county. This industrial growth brought job opportunities and economic prosperity to the area.

In the 20th century, Dorchester County faced challenges due to the decline of its industrial sector and the impact of racial segregation. However, it has also witnessed efforts towards revitalization and preservation of its historical and natural assets. Today, Dorchester County attracts visitors with its historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor recreation centered around the Chesapeake Bay and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Dorchester County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dorchester County, Maryland.

1669 - Dorchester County established as one of the original eight counties of Maryland.
1695 - Cambridge designated as the county seat.
1774 - The American Revolutionary War begins, with many Dorchester County residents actively participating.
1833 - The first railroad, the Cambridge & Seaford Railroad, is completed in Dorchester County.
1861 - The Civil War begins, and Dorchester County experiences both Confederate and Union control.
1879 - The Great Cambridge Fire destroys a significant portion of the town.
1933 - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is opened, connecting Dorchester County to Annapolis and the Eastern Shore.
1962 - The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is established in Dorchester County.
1987 - The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park is established to honor the legacy of Harriet Tubman, who was born in Dorchester County.