The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved Black people in the United States to escape to free states and Canada in the 19th century. It was not an actual railroad but a series of hidden paths and locations that were used to facilitate the escape of slaves seeking freedom.

The network was operated by both Black and white abolitionists who were dedicated to the abolition of slavery. Conductors, who were typically free Black individuals or sympathetic whites, helped guide escaped slaves along the routes, providing them with food, shelter, and transportation. These routes often passed through various states, with key points including safe houses, churches, and other hiding spots.

One of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad was Harriet Tubman, who made 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved individuals. Tubman became known as the "Moses of her people" for her bravery and dedication to helping others escape to freedom.

The Underground Railroad played a crucial role in the fight against slavery and helped thousands of enslaved individuals find freedom and establish new lives. It remains a powerful symbol of resistance and solidarity in Black history.