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

Stop on the Underground Railroad

Historical marker location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

( Marker is at the intersection of Fond du Lac Avenue and North 17th Street (Wisconsin Highway 57), on the right when traveling south on Fond du Lac Avenue.)

Marker installed: 1995

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 Wisconsin.

The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born and raised in Wisconsin. Many of his most famous buildings, including Taliesin and the Johnson Wax headquarters, are located in the state.

About Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County, located in the southeastern part of Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Menominee, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive and establish fur trading posts in the region.

In 1834, Solomon Juneau and Byron Kilbourn, two pioneers, founded the town of Milwaukee, which quickly grew due to its strategic location on the western shore of Lake Michigan. With access to waterways and proximity to the Mississippi River system, Milwaukee became an important trading center. In 1846, the town was officially incorporated as the City of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County was established in 1835 as one of the original counties in the Wisconsin Territory. As the population of Milwaukee grew, so did the county's importance. The city became a major industrial hub and attracted immigrants from various countries, including Germany, Ireland, Poland, and Italy. These immigrants played a significant role in shaping the culture and identity of Milwaukee.

In the early 20th century, Milwaukee County faced challenges associated with urbanization and industrialization. The county experienced growth and prosperity, but also social and economic inequality. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Milwaukee County has made efforts to address these issues through urban planning, social programs, and economic development initiatives. Today, Milwaukee County is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, diverse population, and strong sense of community.

Milwaukee County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

1834 - Milwaukee County is established as part of the Michigan Territory.
1838 - The city of Milwaukee becomes the county seat.
1846 - Wisconsin becomes a state and Milwaukee County remains part of it.
1860 - Completion of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad brings economic growth to the county.
1893 - Construction of the Milwaukee City Hall is completed.
1939 - Completion of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus.
1950 - Milwaukee Braves, the county's Major League Baseball team, wins the National League pennant.
2000 - Completion of the Milwaukee Art Museum's iconic Calatrava-designed addition.
2010 - Milwaukee County opens the Oak Leaf Trail, a 125-mile multi-use trail system.