Between 1700 and 1865, free African Americans and white abolitionists opposed to slavery developed a secret network of people who aided fugitive slaves in their escape from slavery. The people who helped the slaves were known as “handlers.” Fugitive slaves hid in private homes, churches, and schools. They hid fugitives in secret tunnels and fake closets. They also provided them with food and some clothing and then directed them to the next house, or “station.” The people who ran them were called “station masters”. The network later became known as the Underground Railroad. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay No one knows exactly when the Underground Railroad began. “The first mention of the Underground Railroad dates back to 1831 when slave Tice Davids escaped from Kentucky to Ohio and his owner blamed an “underground railroad” for helping Davids reach freedom” (History). Once the slaves aided by the Underground Railroad were free, they would flee to border states such as Maryland, Kentucky, and Virginia. With the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, which had allowed local law enforcement to capture escaped slaves within the borders of the free state, then send them back to where they fled, then punish anyone who aided in their rescue. Most slaves had to flee to Canada, where slavery was banned, to escape bounty hunters trying to track down runaway slaves. Many different types of people helped liberate African Americans through the Underground Railroad. They ranged from white abolitionists to free slaves who had previously escaped slavery. One of the free slaves who helped free the African slaves was Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman was one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad. “Tubman risked her life to lead hundreds of family members and other slaves from the plantation system to freedom on this elaborate secret network of safe houses” (Biography.com). Her original name was Araminta Ross, but she changed it when she escaped from a plantation in Maryland with two of her brothers. In her early childhood, Harriet suffered a traumatic head injury from being hit by a heavy metal weight and sleep attacks. She was said to have had strange visions and dreams, which were said to be premonitions from God. She also worked as a spy for the Union army during the Civil War. Harriet Tubman was also nicknamed "Moses" because of the bounty on his head for helping save slaves. In total, he made more than 19 trips to the South and saved more than 300 slaves from slavery. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Underground Railroad ceased to exist around 1863 , right around the time of the Civil War. Once again, Harriet Tubman played a significant role in aiding the Union's efforts against the Confederacy. He aided in the Union Army's operations to free emancipated slaves who had yet to be freed.