Questions & Answer Page

The following letters have been received here at the UGRR site. The feedback and suggestions are always welcome, but I often cannot give satisfactory answers to visitors' questions. These letters are posted here in the hopes that you can provide further information.

If you can provide insights, please respond via email by clicking on the link below each letter.  It will automatically send a copy to me and person asking the question.  (Please let the person know what the reply is in reference to -- sometimes it has been months since the question was posted.) THANKS!

Index of Q&A

Stations, Connections, and Safehouses

Because so many people are interested in this topic, I made this special section for people to post questions about historical "terminals" of the UGRR.  Keep in mind that you might also find answers to your questions by:  posting your questions on the soc.history.war.us-civil-war usenet group; or by visiting the List of Sites maintained by the NPS.

Spencer, Indiana connections

Q: My children and I have a question for you. We live in Spencer, Owen
County, Indiana. It has been rumored that several of the large old homes
on Main and Hillside Streets in our town were stations on the
Underground Railroad. Do you have any info on the towns in Indiana that
were on the routes. Or can you tell us the best way to search out this
info for ourselves?
Thank you,
Debbie, Kyle, and Blake Drescher

A: None yet.   Can you REPLY TO THIS LETTER?

Safehouse and tunnel in Terre Haute

Q: I am interested in finding some information concerning the underground
railroad in the Terre Haute, IN area. I know you might not know much about
the area but the house that I live in was built in the late 1800's and another
house just a mile down the road has an underground tunnel that goes directly
to Mill Dam. I am curious on how I can research this and where I can start
gathering information.
Thank you very much for your time.
Melissa Sharp

A:  None yet.   Can you REPLY TO THIS LETTER?

Iowa Connections?

Q: Your site looks great! My class of 4th/5th graders will soon be working on a
unit on the UGRR and it's Iowa connections. Did you happen to run across any
accounts about stations or conductors in Iowa?
We'd enjoy finding out. Thanks, Mr. Lach Ross

A: Yes there are stations in Iowa. At least two sites are well preserved.
The Hitchcock House near Lewis and the Todd House in Tabor have been
restored as museums. I used to teach in Tabor and have extensive knowledge
about that site if your students have questions.
Randy Richardson

A: I just saw your post for questions on the underground railroad in Iowa. I don't know how long ago you posted but I do have just a little about my gggreat grandfather who's family lived in What Cheer, if you're interested.
Collin Garrett

Mason-Dixon Line and New Jersey connections

Q: First thing I would like to say is OUTSTANDING , I really like the web site about the Underground Railroad , I have two questions also. First where did the Mason-Dixon line start at was it below Maryland or Delaware? Second were where some of the Safehouse located at in South Jersey . The reason I asked is because where I grew up there was a rumor that a house in my neighborhood (Cherry Hill, NJ) was a lookout , and hideout for runaway slaves. This part of Cherry Hill is not far from Lawnside NJ ,which I know was part of the Underground Railroad. I hope u can answer the questions for me
Thanks
Ken Aston

A: ...Seems to me [the Mason Dixon line] passes through south Jersey, as I used to travel a great deal with a rather knowledgable friend, who pointed out (on more than one occasion) where the Mason Dixon line cuts through part of our state. BUT, I can't recall anymore than that off the top of my head.

I am trying to get info together on underground RR routes through NJ and
safehouses. I would like to know more about the spot you mentioned, and if you
know of other sites. There was an article in one of our NJ papers last spring
which I saved-- and have since LOST!! about safehouses in NJ. So, any sites or
names you can mention would be helpful! Thanks!

Kate

REPLY TO THESE LETTERS

Other Questions about the UGRR

Coin in Uncle Tom's Cabin

Q: We were having a discussion about the coin type item that slaves passed
back and forth during their trip to the north. This coin? was mentioned in
Uncle Tom's Cabin. We have been unable to pinpoint the passage, but have
been searching the Net in hopes of finding the answer. Thought maybe you
could enlighten us. Great site, thanks for allowing us a visit.
Sincerely,
Joe Colombo

REPLY TO THIS LETTER

Evidence of actual train travel

Q: I am a University of Manitoba history student and I'm interested in
seeking information about the Underground Railroad. I'm doing a
research paper on railroad history, and would like to ask you if you can
suggest any sources of the Underground Railroad that mentions any train
travel that the slaves had used during their escape. I know the
Underground Railroad was not an actual 'railroad', but it would be
greatly appreciated if you do have information or sources of train
travel, that you can refer them to me.
Sincerely,
Mr. Edison L Navasca

REPLY TO THIS LETTER

Hosting for this site is provided by the School of Education at the University of California, Davis

Offering the following educational degrees and credentials: MA in Education, EdD in Education, Multiple Subject Teacher Credential, PhD in Education, and Single Subject Teacher Credential.

The School of Education also offers teacher professional development, and other programs relating to academic literacy, education policy, afterschool, children's literature, and research opportunities for high school students.