William Still and the Underground Railroad

A short biography of William Still includes this little Underground Railroad glossary. I’m all about the words this week, it seems.

Named after the emerging steam railroad system, the Underground Railroad used many of the same railroading terms. Those who went south to find slaves looking for freedom were called “pilots.” Those who guided them along the way were “conductors.” The runaways were called “passengers.” Those who gave money or supplies were called “stockholders.” Buildings where slaves could rest and hide were called “stations”—these could be private homes, churches or places of business.

via William Still and the Underground Railroad – New York Amsterdam News: NIE.

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