The stations along the ‘tracks” were safe houses often located about 10-20 miles apart. The stations would sometimes change depending on the owners or other routes taken by the conductors depending on where they were going. Usually lanterns in windows would be a sign to welcome their passengers, but there was always the threat of slave trackers out there too.
The Bethel congregation was very active in the Undergroung Railroad in the years before the Civil War. Jacob Ross, one of the founding members, was once a runaway slave that remained in the community that helped him.
Bethel AME Church
Photograph by R. Johnson. Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
Oakdale
Photograph courtesy of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
Oakdale was the first stop north of the Delaware line on the Underground Railroad. It was known for hiding "passengers" in a concealed room behind a fireplace.
White Horse Farm was a major stop on the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania because it was at a crossroads of 3 different routes. It was the home of the politician Elijah Pennypacker. At times he personally transported slaves himself.
White Horse Farm
Photograph taken by Estelle Cremers. Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
"In mind, body, and brave championship of the cause of freedom, he was one of the most remarkable men I ever knew."
~John Greenleaf Whittier, abolitionist, talking bout Pennypacker
James and Sophie Clemens Farmstead (Ohio)
Photograph from the National Register collection
Asa and Caroline Wing House (New York)
photo courtesy of the Mexico Historical Society
"Freedom Fortress," Fort Monroe (Viriginia) photo courtesy of the Fort Monroe Authority
Mayhew Cabin ~Nebraska City
Camp Nelson ~ Jessamine County, Kentucky~ photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Riley/Bolten House (Maryland) photo courtesy of Judith Wellman
“The Underground Railroad has several stations in the [Welsh] Mountains, and secrecy was not just a buzzword, as breaking the code of silence could mean death. The justice meted out in the Mountains was sure and swift, making it different from that in the surrounding community. The laws were meant to protect the security of the community, and not just the individual person.”
― Anita Wills, Black Minqua the Life and Times of Henry Green