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The Kids' Corner: Slaves' paths to freedom ran through Western Pa.
Wednesday, February 02, 2000 By John Ford
Between about 1840 and 1860, more than 1,000 enslaved Africans (see note) used the Underground Railroad every year to escape slavery, and many traveled through Western Pennsylvania.
Slavery in the Southern states was widespread, and in the North, while slavery existed, there were many black and white abolitionists who worked to assist the Africans in their struggle for freedom. The Underground Railroad became a common name for the secret transport of escaping Africans to the slave-free states and Canada.
Western Pennsylvania had many abolitionists dedicated to freedom for the enslaved Africans. Many of their thoughts and actions are recorded and are an important part of this region's history. John Peck, Dr. Martin Delaney, Charles Avery and John Vashon are some of the well-known Pittsburgh abolitionists.
These abolitionists and the enslaved Africans were the Underground Railroad. The abolitionists used their homes, churches and barns as "safe houses" to provide food, shelter and rest. The hills, valleys and rivers of Western Pennsylvania were the secret passages that enabled escaping Africans to complete the south-to-north journey.
"A day, an hour, of virtuous liberty is worth a whole eternity in bondage," reads a quotation taken from an 1810 promissory note printed in support of the abolition of slavery.
Note: Africans weren't considered American citizens until the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868, which allowed the term "African-American" to be used.
- John Ford is school programs manager, History Center
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