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

Historical marker location:

325 E Main St., Uniontown, Pennsylvania

( Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street (Business U.S. 40) and Baker Alley, on the right when traveling west on East Main 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 Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania was home to the first commercially drilled oil well in the world, which was drilled in 1859 near Titusville.

About Fayette County

Fayette County, Pennsylvania has a rich history that dates back to precolonial times. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Shawnee, and Iroquois, who relied on the fertile lands and abundant resources of the area for their livelihoods. European settlement began in the 18th century, with English and Scottish immigrants migrating to the region.

During the American Revolution, Fayette County played a significant role as a strategic location. The area was a contested region, witnessing various clashes between American and British forces. Notably, the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777, one of the largest battles of the war, took place partly in what is now Fayette County.

The early 19th century brought industrialization to Fayette County, driven by its vast coal and coke deposits. The county became a major producer of coal and coke, attracting numerous immigrants seeking employment in the booming mining and steel industries. Towns like Uniontown and Connellsville grew rapidly, becoming central hubs for coal mining and related industries.

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Fayette County experienced both economic booms and challenging times. The decline of the coal industry in the mid-20th century led to a period of economic decline, with many mines closing and communities facing significant challenges. However, recent decades have seen efforts to diversify the economy and revitalize the region through the development of tourism, recreation, and small businesses.

Today, Fayette County continues to embrace its historical roots while adapting to changing times. Visitors can explore the rich history of the area through numerous historical landmarks, including Fort Necessity, Braddock's Grave, and various museums. Additionally, the county is known for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and boating along the Youghiogheny River and Laurel Highlands.

Fayette County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

1754: The area that is now Fayette County is explored by Christopher Gist, an agent for the Ohio Company
1755: Fort Necessity is built by George Washington during the French and Indian War
1783: Fayette County is officially created from part of Westmoreland County
1793: The town of Uniontown, the county seat, is founded
1831: The National Road is completed, passing through Fayette County and contributing to its economic growth
1861-1865: Fayette County sends soldiers to fight in the American Civil War
1944-1945: The Belle Vernon Area School District is formed through the consolidation of several smaller school districts
1962: The construction of the Youghiogheny Dam and Reservoir is completed, providing flood control and recreational opportunities
1979: The "Whiskey Rebellion" monument is dedicated in commemoration of the 1794 tax protest in Fayette County
1992: The Great Allegheny Passage, a hiking and biking trail, opens in Fayette County