The New Jersey Historical Commission has released a valuable resource for history enthusiasts: a free online guide to selected sites on the Underground Railroad. This comprehensive booklet provides a chronology of events, detailed descriptions of sites and people involved, and suggested readings for further exploration. Alongside these insights, it's crucial to address and debunk several myths surrounding the Underground Railroad. Here are five common misconceptions:
Myth 1: Quilts Were Used as Signals
Contrary to popular belief, quilts were not used to signal freedom seekers. The Underground Railroad was a loose network of individuals and safe houses that assisted those escaping slavery. The notion of quilts as coded messages is a romanticized myth with no historical evidence to support it.
Myth 2: Quakers Were Solely Abolitionists
While Quakers were among the first and strongest abolitionists, it is important to recognize that they also participated in enslaving African Americans. The movement to free enslaved individuals was primarily driven by African Americans themselves, who played a crucial role in the struggle for liberation.
Myth 3: The Northern Promise Land
The idea that the North was a safe haven for freedom seekers is a simplification. By the time the term "Underground Railroad" was popularized in the 1830s to 1860s, southern enslavers often traveled north to capture those who had escaped. The 1850 Fugitive Slave Act intensified this danger, forcing many freedom seekers to continue their journey to Canada to ensure their safety.
Myth 4: Walking to Freedom
The image of freedom seekers solely walking to freedom is incomplete. While many did travel on foot, they also used various other methods, including traveling by sea, wagons, and trains. The journey to freedom often involved a combination of these modes of transportation.
Myth 5: Hush Puppies
A particularly outlandish myth circulating on social media claims that freedom seekers carried hush puppies to distract and feed dogs during their escape. This is entirely false. Such myths distort the true and often perilous experiences of those who sought freedom.
Explore the Guide
The guide by The New Jersey Historical Commission is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Underground Railroad. By debunking these myths and providing accurate historical context, we can better understand and appreciate the bravery and resilience of those who fought for freedom.
Explore the detailed history, visit the significant sites, and read about the remarkable individuals who were part of this extraordinary network. Let’s honor their legacy by learning and sharing the truth about their courageous journeys.
Steal Away, Steal Away, A Guide to the Underground Railroad in New Jersey
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