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 #6

Historical marker location:

505 Cayuga Street, Lewiston, New York

( Marker is at the intersection of Cayuga Street and South 5th Street on Cayuga 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.

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The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City, was the site of the Stonewall riots in 1969, which are considered the birth of the modern gay rights movement.

About Niagara County

Niagara County, located in western New York, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Iroquois, Seneca, and Tuscarora. They utilized the region's abundant natural resources and lived in harmony with the land. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century with French explorers, followed by British and American settlers.

In the 18th century, the area was an important battleground during the French and Indian War, with both British and French forces vying for control. The British ultimately gained control of the region, and it became part of the Province of New York. Following the American Revolution, Niagara County was established in 1808 as one of the original counties of the state.

The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century played a significant role in shaping the county's history. The canal opened up trade and transportation routes, leading to increased settlement and economic growth. The Niagara Falls became a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Throughout the 20th century, Niagara County experienced industrial development, particularly in the manufacturing and chemical industries. However, the area also faced challenges such as economic downturns and environmental concerns. Efforts have been made in recent years to revitalize the region's economy and promote sustainable practices.

Today, Niagara County continues to be a vibrant area with diverse industries, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. It remains a popular destination for tourists, with attractions like Niagara Falls, historic sites, and wineries. The county's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have continued to shape and define the region over the centuries.

Niagara County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Niagara County, New York.

1678 - French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle claims the Niagara region for France
1721 - The French establish the first trading post in the area, known as Fort Niagara
1764 - British forces capture Fort Niagara during the French and Indian War
1781 - The Sullivan Expedition passes through the region during the American Revolution, destroying Native American villages
1783 - The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the American Revolution and ceding the region to the newly-formed United States
1808 - Niagara County is established as a county in New York State
1829 - The Erie Canal is completed, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and bringing increased trade and development to the region
1856 - The Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge, the first bridge across the Niagara River, is completed
1885 - The Niagara Power Company begins generating electricity using the Niagara Falls, marking the beginning of the region's role in hydroelectric power
1927 - The Water Pollution Control Laboratory is established in Niagara County, becoming a leader in water pollution research
1956 - The construction of the Niagara Power Project begins, later becoming one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the United States
1996 - The Niagara Wine Trail is established, promoting the region's growing wine industry
2003 - The Seneca Niagara Casino opens, bringing tourism and gaming to the area