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 Station

Historical marker location:

New York, New York

( Marker is on 36 Lispenard Street.)

Marker installed: 2006

36 Lispenard Street

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 first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in New York City in 1924. It was originally called the Macy's Christmas Parade and featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo.

About New York County

New York County, also known as Manhattan, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was first inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe before becoming a Dutch settlement called New Amsterdam in the early 17th century. In 1664, the British seized control of the area and renamed it New York after the Duke of York. Throughout the colonial era, New York grew in importance as a major trading hub.

Following the American Revolution, New York County flourished as the country expanded westward. It became a magnet for immigrants from around the world, with the iconic Statue of Liberty serving as a symbol of hope for those seeking a better life in America. The county saw rapid urbanization and the construction of skyscrapers, giving birth to the modern city we know today.

In the 20th century, New York County became the cultural, financial, and political center of the United States. The Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s brought a wave of African American art, music, and literature, showcasing the county's diversity. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the area, but it rebounded during World War II with a booming economy.

In recent years, New York County has continued to thrive as a global economic hub and a cultural melting pot. It has faced various challenges, such as the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and the ongoing issues of income inequality and gentrification. However, New York County remains an iconic and vibrant destination, attracting millions of visitors each year and serving as a symbol of the American dream.

New York County Timeline

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

1624 - The Dutch establish the colony of New Amsterdam on the southern tip of Manhattan Island
1664 - The English capture New Amsterdam and rename it New York
1683 - New York County is established as one of the original 12 counties of New York
1785 - The Commissioners' Plan of 1811 is implemented, laying out the street grid for most of Manhattan
1790 - New York becomes the temporary capital of the United States
1825 - Construction of the Erie Canal is completed, connecting New York City to the Great Lakes
1898 - New York County is consolidated with the four other boroughs to form the City of Greater New York
1904 - The first subway line in New York City opens, connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn
1929 - The Wall Street Crash triggers the Great Depression
1957 - The New York Yankees baseball team moves from the Bronx to Manhattan
2001 - The September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center devastate Lower Manhattan