Underground Railroad
During the 1850's-1860's, the underground railroad was a crucial aspect for the freedom of slaves. Aside from the term itself, the underground railroad was not a railroad or underground, but rather an escape route (many, at that), in which slaves remained off the radar on their path to freedom. This so called path refers to the journey needed to reach freedom of slavery, which was not easy. Slaves needed the help from others to ensure their safety while traveling at night, as well as shelter along the way, which were known as safehouses. The people who helped these slaves escape were known as "conductors" or "engineers," all of which provided guidance, including places to stop to get food, which were also known as "stations." These helpers were either free blacks, whites, or slaves themselves trying to help others in aspects of safe travel, shelter, and food. Also, there were organizations that raised money so that the slaves did not have to travel in old, tattered clothing, so they were not depicted so easily as being a slave by those who might be suspicious.
These slaves were escaping on the Underground Railroad so that they could gain their independence and be free to live their own lives, not be owned by someone. This was a fresh start at life for them and worth the risk of gettingcaught while trying to escape, which would either end with them going back to slavery, or fatally. The slaves' "owners" would post cash rewards if anyone found their slaves, as this was part of the lifestyle in the 1850's.
One woman in particular, Harriet Tubman, was an influential figure during the Civil War. Known as a "conductor," Harriet Tubman was successful in her escape from slavery by the use of the underground railroad, but when she gained freedom, she felt the need to help others. Her idea of help was to risk it all and make 19 trips back to the South, where she aided in the freedom of over 300 slaves.
Bibliography:
http://www.harriet-tubman.org/underground-railroad/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2944.html
http://pathways.thinkport.org/about/about6.cfm