Navigator
The Journey
Detailed underground railroad routes
There were only a few routes one could take to escape to freedom since not all states were friendly to slaves. There were a few 'free' states, but many more 'slave' states.
The Underground Railroad did not have one designated route. "The Underground Railroad spanned 29 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Its "railways" were back roads, swamps, caves, forests, rivers and streams" (Copied from http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h481.html).
"Many routes traveled through the Appalachian Mountains, and some even required travel by boat. A popular route followed the Mississippi, and then to the Great Lakes region before entering Canada, while many others traveled closer to the coast, and up to New England" (Copied from http://www.mapsofworld.com/pages/fast-facts/the-underground-railroad/)
As the navigator you must determine the best route to go. You must also consider the weather as well as the stars and determine when it is best to run away.
Read the instructions for your expert team role (below) and begin working. Click Duties to see the responsibilities of the expert team members.
The Underground Railroad did not have one designated route. "The Underground Railroad spanned 29 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Its "railways" were back roads, swamps, caves, forests, rivers and streams" (Copied from http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h481.html).
"Many routes traveled through the Appalachian Mountains, and some even required travel by boat. A popular route followed the Mississippi, and then to the Great Lakes region before entering Canada, while many others traveled closer to the coast, and up to New England" (Copied from http://www.mapsofworld.com/pages/fast-facts/the-underground-railroad/)
As the navigator you must determine the best route to go. You must also consider the weather as well as the stars and determine when it is best to run away.
Read the instructions for your expert team role (below) and begin working. Click Duties to see the responsibilities of the expert team members.
Big DipperYou need to know the states that you will pass through, the type of weather you will encounter in those states and the locations for safety.
Create a map that details your escape from slavery. On your map, identify
Present your information in a PowerPoint presentation. |
Banjo PlayerIdentify the states that you will travel through and possible safe havens. Tell how you will know that a place is safe (for example, a lit lantern in someone's yard). Give 3-5 examples.
Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth are famous "conductors" of the Underground Railroad. Can you find 3 lesser known people who were also associated with the Underground Railroad? Present your states, safe havens and list of people in a Prezi presentation or a video. |
Cotton PickerThe enslaved Africans used nature to guide them North to freedom. The stars in particular were an important source on their journey. Discover how nature helped them travel to freedom.
Create a survival manual wiki describing how the enslaved Africans survived during their travel on the Underground Railroad. Include 6 helpful tips for safe travel in the woods, mountains and rivers during different seasons to help them get North. Include pictures, audio and/or video. Email your wiki page URL to your teacher and share it with the class. |
Resources:
The Journey
Escape from Slavery: 1838
Underground Railroad: A Pathway to Freedom
Owen Sound’s Black History: The Underground Railroad
Free at Last? Slavery in Pittsburgh in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Underground Railroad
What were a few Routes along the Underground Railroad?
United States in 1860 - Free States, Slave States, and Territories
The United States, 1860
Pathways to Freedom: Maryland & the Underground Railroad
Resources for making maps, audio and video files:
Super Map Maker - Create, save, & print maps
Voki - Speaking avatars
Kid's Vid - Video production for students
Underground Railroad: A Pathway to Freedom
Owen Sound’s Black History: The Underground Railroad
Free at Last? Slavery in Pittsburgh in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Underground Railroad
What were a few Routes along the Underground Railroad?
United States in 1860 - Free States, Slave States, and Territories
The United States, 1860
Pathways to Freedom: Maryland & the Underground Railroad
Resources for making maps, audio and video files:
Super Map Maker - Create, save, & print maps
Voki - Speaking avatars
Kid's Vid - Video production for students