People of the Underground Railroad

It is the stories of freedom seekers who bravely escaped enslavement, and their allies who defended their right to freedom, that make up the heart of Underground Railroad History. This landing page provides a sample of stories of the people at the heart of the Underground Railroad. Click on the links below to learn more about the person pictured.

The photographs and corresponding links are organized in alphabetical order by first name.

  • Drawing of a woman of African Descent with light skin in Victorian Clothing
    Ellen Craft

    Learn more about freedom seeker Ellen Craft.

  • Image of Frederick Douglass wearing a suit and staring directly towards the viewer.
    Frederick Douglass

    Learn more about freedom seeker and activist Frederick Douglass.

  • Portrait of White woman in fancy 19th century dress and updo.
    Harriet Beecher Stowe

    Learn more about the famous author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

  • A young Harriet Tubman sits in a chair turned at an angle from the camera.
    Harriet Tubman

    Learn more about freedom seeker and Underground Railroad Operative Harriet Tubman.

  • Image of John Brown with long beard. He stares directly at the viewer.
    John Brown

    Learn more about controversial activist and Underground Railroad operative John Brown.

  • Portrait of elderly Black man looking away from the camera.
    Josiah Henson

    Learn more about freedom seeker Josiah Henson.

  • Network to Freedom Logo on white background
    Joshua Glover

    Learn more about freedom seeker Joshua Glover.

  • Reverend stands next to an altar wearing ceremonial robes.
    Reverend Leonard Grimes

    Learn more about Underground Railroad operative, abolitionist, and activist Reverend Leonard Grimes.

  • Black and white portrait of a white man.
    Levi Coffin

    Learn more about Underground Railroad operative Levi Coffin. Image Credit: Indiana Historical Society.

  • Portrait of Black Man from the Massachusetts State Legislator.
    Lewis Hayden

    Learn more about freedom seeker, Underground Railroad operative, and Civil Rights activist Lewis Hayden. Image Credit State Library of MA.

  • Network to Freedom Logo with Text
    Mary Ann Shadd Cary

    Learn more about Underground Railroad operative, activist, writer, and teacher, Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Library and Archives Canada / C-029977.

  • Photograph of Black man sitting at three quarter profile in a suit.
    People

    Learn more about freedom seeker Robert Smalls and others . Image Credit Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.

  • Photograph of a white man with shoulder length white hair in a suit.
    Robert F. Wallcut

    Learn more about Underground Railroad operative and abolitionist Robert F. Walcutt. Image Credit Massachusetts Historical Society.

  • Three quarter profile portrait of a white man wearing a suit.
    Samuel Gridley Howe

    Learn more about abolitionist Samuel Gridley Howe.

  • Sojourner Truth sits at a table with sewing materials.
    Sojourner Truth

    Learn more about freedom seeker, abolitionist, and author Sojourner Truth.

  • Network to Freedom logo.
    Stephen Spencer Hill

    Learn more about freedom seeker and gold miner Stephen Hill.

  • Portrait sketch of a Black man in 19th century period clothing looking directly at the viewer.
    William Craft

    Learn more about freedom seeker William Craft.

  • Portrait depiction of Anthony Allen in old age with grey and wearing a suit
    Anthony D. Allen

    Learn more about freedom seeker Anthony Allen and his journey to Hawaii.

Last updated: May 11, 2023

Tools