mission statement
history of the project
how the sites were chosen
background of the underground railroad
symbology of the sculptures
| | |
mission statement | The Underground Railroad was the largest form of rebellion to the institution of slavery in its era. It was an escape route to the northern states and consequently to freedom in Canada pioneered by several slaves, such as Harriet (Mother Moses) Tubman, who ventured into the unknown, kept mental note of landmarks, trails, and land routes to share with those who still remained in captivity. The fugitive slaves hid in woods, swamps, in caves, and in the tall weeds. They swam rivers, were shipped in boxes, and stowed away on boats and baggage cars. Men and women even disguised themselves as the opposite sex! In time the silent conspiracy grew with the help of thousands of compassionate men and women of many races who opened their hearts and homes to serve as a haven for the weary travelers. In most cases, the slaves were hidden in homes, barns, stables, basement vaults, attics, secret chambers, root cellars, corn cribs, hay stacks, churches, even in church belfries. Innovative and resourceful, these persons defied the fugitive slave law in their belief that it violated the inherent right of human beings to be free.The "trains" were large farm wagons which could carry and conceal large numbers of escaping African-Americans.The "stations" were the homes where the escapees were fed and cared for as they moved along.The "conductors" were the fearless men and women of both races, (as well as Native American people), who led their passengers toward freedom |