First, I would like to wish everyone a
Happy New Year!
I look forward to spending another year with all of you.
For my first post of 2013,
Bob and I took a short trip to the museum near us last Friday.
It was quite interesting and we were amazed at how many
underground railroad routes went.
through Ohio, Michigan and Ontario Canada
and those brave folks who assisted slaves along the way.
If a family of slaves were brought to auction
they most likely would not leave together after.
99% were separated.
A little trivia.
These are true and false questions.
False
(ordinary individuals were at the heart of this)
False
(quilts were used, but only quilt blocks)
True
(It was also usually alone)
False
(The majority of the routes were in Ohio
where the Ohio River was named the River Jordan to slaves.
Ontario Canada was the Promised Land.
The Great Lakes bordering Wisconsin and Michigan were also a welcoming site. Pennsylvania and the other Northern states were also involved,
but not as much as the others.
This is how the slaves were kept in the ships.
They were given a number like cargo.
With shackles on.
Slavery was a hard life for most,
so escaping to a better life in the North
was worth risking but still difficult.
Some were hid in underground tunnels
that were found in the floor of some one's home.
Others hid for almost a day underneath the floor boards of a home
as in the picture above, where they had to lie still for hours.
Not very comfortable.
Quilts blocks were used to lead the way
or to alarm the slave who was expected.
Slaves were not allowed to read,
but they memorized many quilt patterns
to aid in their journey to freedom.
This was a sign that their owner or overseer
was in the area and it was not safe.
Follow the North Star.
Go this way.
Freedom Blessings to all!
Janice
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