The underground railroad was a secret network of safe-houses where runaway slaves could find shelter on their long and dangerous journey north to freedom. Although not often mentioned, one portion of the underground railroad ran through the eastern half of Nebraska.
Fleeing from bondage in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas, hundreds of slaves endured extreme hardship as they made their way through the state. Traveling mainly at night, their journey would have been grueling, terrifying, desperate and, more often than not, discouraging. But their hunger for freedom was far greater than the fear of losing their lives.
According to historical archives, songs like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” and “Go Down Moses” may have contained secret messages detailing escape routes for runaways. One popular spiritual was “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” which was a term that referred to the shape of the Big Dipper–and the advice to follow the north star located at the tip of it.
The riverbank makes a very good road
The dead trees show you the way
Left foot, peg foot, traveling on
Follow the drinking gourd
Located throughout what is known as the “Corridor of Courage” were spartan cabins and shacks which provided temporary shelter and safety to scores of runaway slaves. This remarkable photo was captured by guest contributor, Britt Leffelman.
Leave a note.