Code Words

Abolitionist = a person who demanded immediate emancipation of slaves

Agent = coordinator, plotting course of escape, making contacts

Drinking gourd = Big Dipper and the North star

Freedom train or Gospel train = code name for the Underground Railroad

Heaven or Promised land = Canada

Preachers = leaders, speakers underground railroad

Shepherds = people escorting slaves

Station = place of safety and temporary refuge, safe-house

Station Master = keeper of safe-house

Stockholder = donor of money, clothing, or food to the Underground railroad

Underground Railroad Code Phrases

“The wind blows from the south today”= warning of slave bounty hunters nearby

“A friend with friends” = A password used to signal arrival of fugitives with underground railroad conductor

“The friend of a friend sent me” = a password used by fugitives traveling alone to indicate they were sent by the underground railroad network

Load of Potatoes, Parcel, or Bundles of Wood = fugitives to be expected