Underground Railroad Quiz

What is the most likely reason the Underground Railroad was called “underground”?

• It traveled through underground tunnels

• It was run by miners and railroad workers

• It was a secret network helping slaves escape

• It only operated during the night

In the Underground Railroad, what was a “conductor”?

• A person who drove the train

• A person who helped guide enslaved people to freedom

• A wealthy person who paid for tickets

• A person who watched over enslaved people on plantations

What was the role of “stations” or “depots” in the Underground Railroad?

• Locations where trains refueled

• Houses or places that offered shelter to escapees

• Courtrooms where freedom was granted

• Areas where auctions were held

Which of the following was NOT a reason enslaved people wanted to escape?

• They could vote in the South

• They had no legal rights

• They could be separated from their families

• They were punished without protection or justice

How could an enslaved person identify a safe house on the Underground Railroad?

• It had a sign saying “Underground Railroad”

• A burning lantern or quilt was displayed outside

• The house had a railroad track nearby

• There were always guards at the door

What made the Underground Railroad more dangerous after 1850?

• The number of escapees increased
  
  
  

• The Fugitive Slave Act was passed

• Canada closed its borders

• Abolitionists stopped helping

What was a major reason enslaved people had to reach Canada to be truly free?

• Canada offered them jobs
  
  

• Slavery was still legal in northern states

• Canada was beyond the reach of U.S. slave laws

• The Underground Railroad ended in Canada

Why were abolitionists important to the Underground Railroad?

• They made maps for escapees
  

• They passed laws to protect fugitives

• They believed slavery was wrong and often helped people escape

• They formed secret armies in the North