Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was an organized escape plan for fugitive slaves to escape to free states or Canada. The railroad offered runaway slaves shelter and aid when trying to escape. This event started in the early 1830’s and ended around 1860.

The majority of the underground railroad happened in the border states such as Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky. After escaping many slaves headed west towards Indiana and Iowa, while some went North towards Pennsylvania. Some even travelled to Canada.

Harriet Tubman was a famous leader during the Underground Railroad because she made many trips helping groups escape from a plantation in Maryland. She escorted over 300 slaves to freedom.

It is estimated that over 100,000 slaves escaped during this event.

This picture shows all of the routes of the underground railroad

This is another picture with all the routes of the railroad