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

Historic Underground Railroad

Historical marker location:

Nyack, New York

( Marker is on Main Street west of N Mill Street, on the right when traveling west.)

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 Hudson River School of painting, which was a 19th-century art movement that focused on landscapes and the natural world, was founded in New York State. Some of its most famous artists, such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, lived and worked in the Hudson River Valley.

About Rockland County

Rockland County, located in the southeastern part of New York State, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was traditionally inhabited by the Munsee Lenape Native Americans, who lived along the banks of the Hudson River and relied on the bountiful natural resources of the region.

European settlement of Rockland County began in the early 17th century when Dutch and French Huguenot settlers established communities along the Hudson River. The Dutch West India Company purchased the land from Native American tribes in the mid-1600s, and the area became known as Orange County. In 1798, Rockland County was carved out of Orange County, and it was officially established as a separate county.

During the American Revolutionary War, Rockland County played a significant role. British forces occupied the area for a large portion of the war, making it a central location for military operations. Notably, the Battle of Stony Point took place in 1779, where American forces successfully recaptured the strategic Stony Point fort from the British in a daring midnight assault.

In the 19th century, Rockland County experienced significant industrial growth. The Hudson River provided an ideal shipping route for goods, leading to the development of thriving industries, such as brickmaking, quarrying, and textile manufacturing. The construction of railroads further fueled economic growth and helped connect the county to nearby cities like New York City.

Today, Rockland County is a desirable suburban area with a diverse population and a thriving economy. It is known for its charming towns and villages, picturesque landscapes, and historical landmarks. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, historical societies, and community events, offering residents and visitors a glimpse into its storied past.

Rockland County Timeline

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

1609: Henry Hudson, an English explorer, sails up the Hudson River and explores the area now known as Rockland County.
1664: The Dutch formally cede New Netherland to the English, and this region becomes part of the Province of New York.
1683: Rockland County is established as one of the original 12 counties of New York.
1777: British forces occupy Nyack during the American Revolutionary War.
1798: The Nyack Turnpike, the first major road in the county, is established.
1806: The Village of Haverstraw is incorporated.
1828: The Erie Railroad, the first major railroad in the county, opens.
1845: The county's name changes from Orange County to Rockland County.
1854: The West Shore Railroad is completed, providing improved transportation options.
1883: The Nyack Suspension Bridge, now known as the Tappan Zee Bridge, is opened.
1929: Palisades Interstate Park is established, protecting scenic areas along the Hudson River.
1950s: Suburbanization begins, with many new housing developments springing up in the county.
1994: The Tappan Zee Bridge is replaced by a new bridge, now called the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.