The Underground Railroad had been started in the late 18 to early 19th century and lasted as a secret operation until the Civil War. Quakers, who were against slavery had played a large part in its creation. It consisted of multiple routes and safe houses to aid slaves in their escape to freedom. To escape their past life, many used the underground railroad to reach the northern U.S. or Canada. 

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     Food, money, clothes, legal services, and many other goods were provided to the fugitives. The system was set up by abolitionists, who opposed slavery.  Many abolitionists went to the south to free some slaves themselves, leading them to the north. However, many slaves went on their own. An estimated 40,000 - 100,000 slaves were freed through this.