The Search for the Underground Railroad in Upstate New York - Paperback

by Tom Calarco (Author)

Because of its clandestine nature, much of the history of the Underground Railroad remains shrouded in secrecy--so much so that some historians have even doubted its importance. After decades of research, Tom Calarco recounts his experiences compiling evidence to give credence to the legend's oral history in upstate New York. As the Civil War loomed and politicians from the North and South debated the fate of slavery, brave New Yorkers risked their lives to help fugitive slaves escape bondage. Whites and blacks alike worked together on the Underground Railroad, using ingenious methods of communication and tactics to stay ahead of the slave master and bounty hunter. Especially after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act, conscientious residents doubled their efforts to help runaways reach Canada. Join Calarco on this journey of discovery of one of the noblest endeavors in American history.

Author Biography

Tom Calarco is the author/editor of six books and over thirty articles on the Underground Railroad. He speaks widely and has presented papers at the National Parks Service's Network to Freedom� conference, the Underground Railroad Project of the Capital Region conference and was the keynote speaker at the North Star Underground Railroad Project conference. A member of the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association, he works to develop the true history of the Underground Railroad.