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Web Lesson: Myths & Codes of the Underground Railroad
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Neither God, nor angels, or just men command you to suffer a single moment; therefore it is your solemn and imperative duty to use every means, both moral, intellectual, and physical, that promises success.
--Henry Highland Garnett, 1843

Myths and Codes of the Underground Railroad

In the years since the Underground Railroad ended, many stories have been told about every facet of the effort to free slaves, stories that point out the horrors and hardships of slavery and the heroics of blacks and whites who worked to free those who were enslaved. In fact the Underground Railroad has become such a popular subject that legends, myths and just plain embellishments have surfaced and captured the imagination of those studying this important part of our nation's history.

As part of the Safe Passage project, educators have researched the Underground Railroad and developed lessons for schools. One of these lessons addresses some of the myths and stereotypes, shows how they developed and helps students understand why they are not true.

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