UNDERGROUND RAILROAD CODE WORDS

Abolitionist - a person who demanded immediate emancipation of slaves

Agent - coordinator, one who plotted the course of escape and made contacts

Drinking Gourd - Big Dipper and the North Star
      

Freedom Train or Gospel Train - code name for the Underground Railroad

Heaven or Promised Land - Canada

Preachers - leaders/speakers of the Underground Railroad

Shepherds - people who escorted the slaves

Station - place of safety and temporary refuge, a safe house

Station Master - the keeper of a safe house

Stockholder - donor of money, clothing, or food to the Underground Railroad

 

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD CODE PHRASES

"The wind blows from the south today" - the warning of slave bounty hunters nearby

"A friend with friends" - A password used to signal the arrival of fugitives with an Underground Railroad conductor

"The friend of a friend sent me" - A password used by fugitives traveling alone to indicate they were sent by the Underground Railroad network

Load of potatoes, parcel, or bundles of wood - fugitives to be expected

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