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:

110 East 4th Street, Jamestown, New York

( Marker can be reached from Pine Street just south of East 4th Street, on the left when traveling south.)

Marker installed: 1927

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 New York.

The New York City subway system, which opened in 1904, was the first rapid transit system in the world. The original line ran from City Hall to 145th Street in Harlem.

About Chautauqua County

Chautauqua County, located in western New York State, has a rich and colorful history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Erie people, a Native American tribe, until the 17th century when European settlers began to arrive. The region was officially formed as Chautauqua County in 1811, named after the beautiful Chautauqua Lake that lies within its borders.

In the early years, the county primarily relied on agriculture and timber industries for its economic growth. As the Erie Canal was completed in the 1820s, it opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation, allowing the county to expand its reach. With the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, Chautauqua County's industries boomed, attracting more settlers and leading to the establishment of numerous towns and villages.

During the late 19th century, Chautauqua County became famous for its Chautauqua Institution, a center for education and cultural activities. The Chautauqua Institution attracted intellectuals, artists, and scholars from around the country, providing a platform for open discussions on various topics including politics, religion, and social issues. This institution played a significant role in the popularization of the Chautauqua Movement, a nationwide movement that aimed to promote lifelong learning and personal growth.

In the early 20th century, Chautauqua County's economy diversified further with the rise of manufacturing industries, such as furniture, textiles, and machinery. Many of these industries thrived until the mid-20th century, when economic changes and globalization led to a decline in manufacturing jobs. However, the county has since adapted and shifted towards a more service-based economy, including tourism, healthcare, and education.

Today, Chautauqua County continues to embrace its history while forging ahead in the modern world. The county's natural beauty, including its lakes, forests, and charming towns, attracts visitors year-round. It also remains an important cultural hub, hosting various festivals, museums, and art centers. Chautauqua County's blend of history, natural splendor, and contemporary amenities contribute to its unique character and make it a sought-after destination for residents and tourists alike.

Chautauqua County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chautauqua County, New York.

1803: Chautauqua County is founded
1811: First European settlers arrive in the area
1818: The Village of Mayville is incorporated
1821: The Village of Westfield is incorporated
1836: The City of Jamestown is incorporated
1851: The Chautauqua Institution is established
1875: The Dunkirk and Fredonia Railroad is completed
1878: The Village of Fredonia is incorporated
1892: The Chautauqua Grape Belt Association is formed
1898: The Jamestown Chamber of Commerce is established
1901: The Celoron Amusement Park opens
1923: Chautauqua Lake freezes over completely for the first time on record
1953: The Chautauqua County Historical Society is founded
1960: The Chautauqua County Airport is opened
1973: The Chautauqua Institution is designated a National Historic Landmark
1992: The Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport is renamed the Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport
2006: The Chautauqua Rails to Trails project is completed
2011: The National Comedy Center opens in Jamestown