The Historian | May 16, 2023:
The Underground Railroad was not a physical railroad, but rather a covert network of routes, safe houses, and individuals who facilitated the escape of enslaved African Americans from the Southern states to freedom in the North and Canada during the 19th century.
The term “Underground” emphasized its clandestine nature, while “Railroad” metaphorically described the system of transportation and support. Operating from the late 18th century to the Civil War era, the Underground Railroad played a pivotal role in helping thousands of enslaved individuals seek liberation.