During the years 1700 to 1865, free African Americans and white abolitionists who were against slavery developed a secret network of people who helped fugitive slaves escape the 'slavery. People who helped slaves were known as “drivers.” Runaway slaves hid in private homes, churches, and schools. They hid the fugitives in secret tunnels and false closets. They also provided them with food and clothing, then directed them to the next house, or “station.” The people who operated them were called “station masters”. The network then became known as the Underground Railroad. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay No one knows exactly when the Underground Railroad began. “The first mention of the Underground Railroad was in 1831, when slave Tice Davids escaped from Kentucky to Ohio and his owner blamed an “underground railroad” for helping Davids gain access to freedom” (History). Once slaves aided by the Underground Railroad were free, they escaped to border states such as Maryland, Kentucky, and Virginia. With the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, which had allowed local law enforcement to capture runaway slaves within Free State borders, then return them to where they had escaped, and then punish anyone who contributed to their rescue. Most slaves had to flee to Canada, where slavery was outlawed, to escape bounty hunters who sought to find escaped slaves. Many types of people helped free African Americans through the Underground Railroad. They ranged from white abolitionists to free slaves who had already escaped slavery. One of the free slaves who helped free African slaves was Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman was one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad. this elaborate secret network of refuges” (Biography.com). Her original name was Araminta Ross, but he later changed it when she escaped from a plantation in Maryland with two of her brothers. Tubman was born a slave. In her early childhood, Harriet suffered a traumatic head injury from being struck by a heavy metal weight. His injury caused him dizziness, pain and sleeping 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 her head for helping save slaves. Tubman risked his life to help lead hundreds of African American slaves to freedom. In total, she made more than 19 trips to the South and rescued more than 300 slaves from slavery. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Underground Railroad then ceased to exist around 1863, right around the time of the Civil War. Once again, Harriet Tubman played an important role in aiding the Union's efforts against the Confederacy. She contributed to the Union Army's operations to free emancipated slaves who had not yet been freed..