The Underground Railroad
Nicole Messer
How to determine which direction is North
How to avoid slave catchers and dogs
Who will assist you
Your final destination
For many runaway slaves, Canada is their destination. Once you get to the Ohio River and have been fed and helped by the Underground Railroad, you need to cut all the way through Ohio to the edge - Cleveland. The Ohio River is the end of the "black belt", known for the dark soil and high population of African Americans. If you get lucky, a white man will help you travel, referring to you as his slave. There are several black and white families that are sure to help you or give you a place to stay for the night, but keep in mind the risk that it puts on them as well as yourself. Once you get to Cleveland, keep going until you reach Lake Erie. After you cross the lake, you will find yourself in Canada. Beware - in the North, there is still racism, and it is highly likely that you will be called things such as "darkie", especially by the upper class and women. However, you will no longer have to worry about things such as an overseer that used to always be there, ready to whip and flog you at any moment of weakness.