The Underground Railroad: Myths, Facts, and Legends

The Underground Railroad: Myths, Facts, and Legends

Many people in the 21st Century have heard about the Underground Railroad, but...

there are some misconceptions to clarify. Don't misunderstand, it was VERY real and some of the legends are VERY TRUE.

Today's lesson will present a question or statement.

Answer to the best of your ability, and then read & listen to expand your understanding.

Ready?

Multiple Choice

The Underground Railroad was a secret train that existed under the earth that carried runaway slaves to freedom.

• TRUE

• FALSE

The Underground Railroad was

"neither underground, nor was it a railroad." It's more of a nickname for anyone and however they tried to escape slavery. It included every slave who tried to escape, and every method, route, or place that was used in that escape.

Multiple Choice

The term "underground railroad" was possibly first used by slave catchers who were baffled and confused as to how some slaves escaped their capture.

• true

• false

The term "underground railroad"

may have first been used by bounty hunters who had no explanation as to how some escaped their capture. "They must have escaped using an underground railroad."

Multiple Choice

Abolitionist William Still literally wrote a book called "The Underground Railroad" describing the escapes and efforts of abolitionists to assist runaway slaves.

• true

• false

William Still is one of the greatest abolitionists of his time,

but he's not as well known as others. He did write a book (published in 1886) called the Underground Railroad which described escapes and the work of abolitionists. His office in Philadelphia assisted over 1,000 runaways, including Harriet Tubman, to freedom. He is known as the 'father of the Underground Railroad.'

Multiple Choice

The Underground Railroad had secret tunnels that ran beneath rivers and cities to help fugitives escape from slavery.

• true

• false

The Underground Railroad had secrets, but no secret tunnels.

There may have been some places with hidden rooms, and houses that were anonymous to slave catchers, but there was no easy passage to freedom. It was a very difficult struggle and path to freedom.

Multiple Choice

The Underground Railroad used codes and symbols in songs and quilts.

• true

• false

There were code words and phrases in songs.

In addition, a system of symbols were utilized to communicate to those who knew the patterns.

Songs like "Follow the Drinking Gourd" and "Wade in the Water"

were used to communicate and teach others knowledge of escape. Often, these songs spoke of general ideas about escape, but not detailed instructions.

Multiple Choice

If a slave decided to escape, they were pretty much on their own.

• true

• false

• true, but there were people who might help, if the runway could find them

There were abolitionists who helped fugitive slaves,

But a runaway was largely on their own to make from one safe place to another. Perhaps they might find shelter in an abolitionists basement or barn. Perhaps they might receive some food or hide in the back of a wagon for part of the journey. A candle in the window was a signal of a safe house.

Multiple Choice

Bounty hunters were used to track down runaway slaves to return them to the South.

• true

• false

The 1850 Fugitive Slave Law

authorized citizens to capture and return runaway slaves back to slave owners. There were monetary rewards or bounties that were placed for runaways. Posters and newspapers ran notifications for individual escapes.

In some cases dogs, mobs, or even the military would be used to capture a runaway.

Multiple Choice

Most escapes occurred in the summer when the days were longer, and the weather was nicer.

• true

• false

Most escapes

happened at night when darkness could be used to the advantage of the runaway. Winter was harsh, but in some cases the longer night hours were helpful in escape.

Escapes usually began on a Saturday night (with the benefit of Sunday being an 'off' day for many slaves). A runaway might not be missed until Monday morning, giving them, perhaps, a 30 hour head start.

Multiple Choice

The Underground Railroad was a sophisticated, coordinated network of abolitionists working together with shared systems and plans.

• true

• false

It is fair to say the Underground Railroad was a "network," that it had cooperation, and that it was complex, however...

it would NOT be accurate to say that an abolitionist in Ohio was coordinating or planning directly with an abolitionist in Pennsylvania. It's all related, but different at the same time.

Multiple Choice

Most of the Underground Railroad helpers and safe houses were located in the South.

• true

• false

Northern states

were home to most of the abolitionists and safe houses of the Underground Railroad. There were some abolitionists and safe places in the South, but they were rare. A runaway had to make it to the North to have a better chance for help.

Abolitionist Levi Coffin was from North Carolina, but his work in the Underground Railroad was based from his home in Indiana, a northern state.

Multiple Choice

If a runaway made it to a Northern state they were safely free.

• true

• false

Northern states passed state laws against slavery, but...

The 1850 Fugitive Slave Law (with the Constitution's Fugitive Slave Clause & later a Supreme Court decision) made slavery something that could not be restricted anywhere in the U.S. The only safe territory was Canada or Mexico.

Multiple Choice

Abolitionist Harriet Tubman made several trips to the South and helped to free over 300 individuals. She once drugged a baby to keep it quiet, and almost shot a man she was assisting because he claimed he could walk no more. She would climb in the backs of wagons to listen to the plans of slave catchers, and then alter her plans to secure the freedom of her "passengers." She could navigate by the stars, and claimed to have 'visions' that guided her. She not only guided individuals to saftey, but then secured their freedom in the North or Canada by organizing shelter, societies, and protection for those runaways. She later led a regiment on a mission in the Civil War.

• true, all of it

• false, no single person could do so much

There are many legends surrounding the Underground Railroad

The legendary actions of Harriet Tubman are true. Her 'visions' may have just been dreams, but she still used those dreams to help the escape and safety of others.

Multiple Choice

A man named Henry Brown escaped slavery by having himself mailed to Philadelphia.

• true

• false

Yep.

Henry "Box" Brown is one of the most legendary escapes. He actually was human cargo on a train, making him one of the few individuals who actually escaped using the railroad.

Multiple Choice

There was a town on the northern bank of the Ohio River called Ripley, Ohio. Its population was mostly abolitionists. The fictional character "Eliza" from the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin was based on a real escape to this town.

• true

• false

So...

somethings about the Underground Railroad are TRUE, but there are some misconceptions, particularly about how much help a person might receive.

It is TRUE, if you made it to a Northern state, things improved, or a town like Ripley, Ohio one could be safe, but danger still existed. Abolitionists helped, but the obstacles for freedom were large.

The Underground Railroad is one of the most interesting topics in American history.

It is full of great escapes, heroes, and legends, many of which are true. As you study the Underground Railroad this week, seek to find a better understanding of this fascinating topic in history.

RIGHT NOW- Go to Canvas to access Part 2 of today's lesson: Primary Sources on the Underground Railroad

You will choose one of the primary sources to read a first hand account of some of the legendary stories of the UGRxR. Read the primary source, summarize the document. Do this now! Complete it during class time!!!

When you finish, explore the other sources if your are interested.