Underground Railroad

Underground Railroad, which consisted of the large number of people who helped slaves escape north and Canada, there are several white couples individuals but mostly where black individuals and couples who only knew of local efforts to help slaves and not general operation of Underground Railroad. However, in practice moved hundreds of slaves northward each year - by one estimate, South lost 100,000 slaves between 1810 and 1850. (Larson p.36)

An organized system to assist runaway slaves seems to have begun in late 18th century. In 1786 one of slaves who had fled had belonged to Goerge Washington, helped by the "society of Quakers, formed for such purposes." system had grown, and about 1831 was then called " Underground Railroad," after then emerging steam railroads. system even uses terms used in railroads: homes and businesses where fugitives to rest and eat were called "stations" and "deposits" and were run by "station masters" who contributed money or goods are "shareholders" and "conductor" was responsible for moving fugitives from one station to another. (David p.65)

For slave, fleeing north was not easy. first step was to escape slavery. For many slaves, this meant depend upon their own resources. Sometimes the "conductor," posing as the slave, would enter into the plantation and then guiding fugitives north. fugitives would move at night. Generally, travel between 10 and 20 miles to next station, where they can rest and eat, hiding in barns and other out-of- way places. While they waited, the message that is sent to next station to alert station master.

Slaves also travel by train and boat - means of transport that he sometimes had to be paid. Money was also needed to improve appearance of fugitives - the black man, woman or child in rags invariably attract suspicious eyes. This money was donated by individuals and also raised by several groups, including monitoring committees. Vigilance committees sprang up in major cities and towns in north, most prominently in New York, Philadelphia and Boston. Besides asking for money, organizations that provide food, shelter and money, and helped fugitives to settle in the community, helping them find jobs and providing letters of recommendation. (Blaine p.102)

This was the time when European immigrants poured into North. Many of these people had faced discrimination and difficulties in their countries of origin. But in United States are expanding their rights. Had entered the country in which they were part of the privileged category called "white." (Ann p.78)

In northeastern states, blacks were discriminated against in many ways. Segregation was rampant, especially in Philadelphia, where blacks were excluded from concert halls, public transport, schools, churches, orphanages and other places. Blacks also were forced by qualified professionals who had been working. And shortly after turn of century, African Americans began to lose right to vote - the right that many states had been granted after Revolutionary War. At same time, voting rights is expanding to white. New Jersey took away black vote in 1807, in 1818, Connecticut moved away from black men ...