The Secret History of the Underground Railroad in Iowa

The Hawkeye State had only been a state for 17 years when the U.S. Civil War broke out in 1861. Despite its relatively young status as a state, its allegiance remained with the union.

So much so, that an estimated 35,000 southern slaves seeking freedom traveled through its borders during the four-year conflict.

Iowa played a vital role in the Underground Railroad, serving as a crucial sanctuary for enslaved people seeking freedom from the oppressive South.

The state’s geography, with its rivers and wooded areas, provided natural cover for those escaping captivity.

As the nation moved toward the Civil War, Iowa became a haven for freedom seekers, with many residents actively participating in the abolitionist movement.

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In the 1840s and 1850s, Iowa's population began to swell with settlers drawn to its fertile land and promising opportunities. Among these settlers were many abolitionists, particularly Quakers, who opposed slavery on moral grounds.

They established a network of safe houses and clandestine routes across the state, guiding escapees on their perilous journey northward. Key locations included towns like Tabor and Lewis, which became known for their hospitality to fugitive slaves.

One of the most notable figures in Iowa’s Underground Railroad history was John Brown, the controversial and fierce abolitionist who traveled through the state (in 1859) before the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter.

His activism inspired many locals to take a stand against slavery. Brown would be hung before the conflict began in 1859, yet the match had been lit in Iowa's abolitionist movement.

The underground network was characterized by secrecy, as aiding escapees was considered illegal and punishable by law. Nevertheless, Iowans exhibited remarkable courage, often risking their own safety to shelter and transport those fleeing bondage.

By the time the Civil War erupted, Iowa had established itself as a significant stop on the route to freedom. Many formerly enslaved people eventually made their way to Canada, where they could live free from the threat of recapture.

Today, historical markers and sites across Iowa commemorate this legacy, reminding us of the bravery of those who fought against injustice and the vital role the state played in the quest for freedom.

Iowa’s involvement in the Underground Railroad stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of human rights and the fight for equality.

Story Source: Story Maps Website