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 Route

Historical marker location:

LeRoy, New York

( Marker is on Keeney Road, 0.1 miles south of Randall Road (County Route 8).)

Marker installed: 2007

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 oldest standing lighthouse in New York State is the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was completed in 1796 and is located on the eastern tip of Long Island. It is also the fourth-oldest active lighthouse in the United States.

About Genesee County

Genesee County, located in western New York State, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was officially established in 1802 and named after the Genesee River, which flows through the region. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Seneca Nation.

In the early years of settlement, Genesee County developed rapidly due to its fertile land, abundant water resources, and access to transportation routes. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 1820s greatly facilitated trade and contributed to the county's prosperity. As a result, agriculture became the dominant industry, with crops such as wheat, corn, and oats being cultivated.

During the mid-19th century, Genesee County experienced a period of economic growth and urbanization. The county's largest city, Batavia, became a center for manufacturing and trade. Industries such as textiles, ironworks, and brewing flourished. Additionally, the county became an important stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting escaped slaves in their journey to freedom.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Genesee County underwent significant changes due to industrialization and technological advancements. Agriculture became more mechanized, leading to a decline in the number of small farms. Manufacturing and other industries diversified, with companies like Massey-Ferguson and Doehler-Jarvis establishing operations in the county. Today, Genesee County continues to be a vibrant community, known for its agriculture, recreational opportunities, and historic landmarks that reflect its rich history.

Genesee County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Genesee County, New York.

1687 - Genesee County was part of the territory of the Iroquois Confederacy.
1802 - The Holland Land Company purchased the land from the Native Americans.
1803 - First settlement was established in the area by Joseph Ellicott.
1806 - Genesee County was created from parts of Ontario County.
1812-1815 - Genesee County played a significant role in the War of 1812.
1823 - The Erie Canal was completed, bringing economic growth to the region.
1836 - A section of Genesee County was used to create Wyoming County.
1866 - The county seat was moved from Batavia to its current location in the City of Batavia.
1900s - Genesee County became an important agricultural center, known for dairy farming.
1956 - Construction of the New York State Thruway was completed, running through Genesee County.
Present - Genesee County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a rich historical heritage.