The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved Black Americans to escape to free states and Canada in the 19th century. This clandestine network was also utilized by abolitionists and sympathetic individuals who provided assistance to fugitive slaves on their journey to freedom.

The Underground Railroad operated in the years leading up to the Civil War, with routes extending throughout the northern United States and into Canada. Conductors, who were often free Black people, guided escaping slaves along these routes, usually under the cover of darkness to avoid detection.

One of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad was Harriet Tubman, who made numerous perilous missions to lead enslaved individuals to freedom. Tubman's bravery and determination in helping slaves escape captivity earned her the nickname "Moses of her people."

The Underground Railroad played a significant role in the fight against slavery, providing hope and assistance to those seeking freedom and undermining the institution of slavery in the United States. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of Black Americans in the face of adversity.