The Underground Railroad operated as a loosely organized network of people, both black and white, working to funnel slaves out of slavery into areas of freedom and lasted from about the 1830s until the 1860s. Minimal documentation makes it difficult to show how many escaped in total, but only a couple hundred would have traveled through Iowa. Today, we will discuss the known information about Iowa’s Underground Railroad and the individuals provided shelter, transport, and material support for the travelers on this journey to freedom.

This presentation will be held in Hickok Hall.