Was the underground railroad a real railroad?

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

Although a few parts of the network involved tunnels or underground hiding places, most of the "underground railroad" consisted of houses and farms of anti-slavery Southerners. They used these locations as "stations" to feed, clothe, and hide the slaves as they made their way slowly to the North.

The term "underground" applies to the secrecy of the operation, which if compromised could endanger many lives, not only those of the slaves.

Answer 3

No, it was a secret network to the North for escaping slaves in the South prior to the US Civil War. It was a step-by-step passage created by escaped slaves and abolitionists, including sympathizers in the South. So it wasn't actually a railroad, or even under the ground.

It is called "underground" in the same sense as the French Underground of World War II, a secret group within an oppressive society. The term "railroad" is used because, much like trains travelling from station to station, the slaves were moved north over a few days or weeks, usually at night. Anti-slavery sympathizers allowed the use of their houses and farms to feed, clothe, and hide the escapees.

Answer 4

Yes and no. Parts of it were underground tunnels. They didn't go far though, and there were no actual railroads. It is called the "underground railroad" because it was to be kept a secret, or underground. I think the kids today would say "on the downlow". The term "railroad" was used because various safe houses (farm houses) were the clandestine stations along the way. Many 'conductors' only knew of 2 or 3 stations, for the security of the entire line.

Answer 5

The underground railroad wasn't a railroad with trains and tracks. The underground railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used in the 19th century.

Answer 6

No. The Underground Railroad wasn't necessarily underground. It is called the "Underground Railroad" because they (slaves, conductors, etc.) had to stay hidden.

Answer 7

No it was an underground pathway that the slaves were lead through to get to freedom.