google earth underground railroad tour

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Exploration on the Underground Railroad

Uncovering our history, together.

“We cannot forget you, brethren, for we know your sufferings and we know your sufferings because we know from experience, what it is to be an American slave. So galling was our bondage, that, to escape from it, we suffered the loss of all things, and braved every peril, and endured every hardship.”

—From “A Letter to the American Slaves from those who have fled from American Slavery.” Written at the meeting of fugitives from slavery and their friends held in Cazenovia, New York on August 21 and 22, 1850. Published in The North Star , September 5, 1850 and in the National Anti-Slavery Standard , September 5, 1850.

Explore these incredible resources

These links invite you to explore local projects on the underground railroad in central and western New York and on the courageous individuals and communities that contributed to this historical humanitarian effort.

The projects featured here provide information about documented underground railroad activities in our region, tell us about the small Black communities that settled here to escape slavery after New York state outlawed it in 1827, and inform us about those ordinary people who braved assisting freedom seekers at great personal risk to themselves and their families.

Voices on the Underground Railroad

The st. james ame zion church 3d virtual tour, the st. james ame zion church community excavations, tompkins county rural black residents project, rural humanities initiative at cornell, william simms interactive map, ithaca’s underground railroad mobile guide, the underground railroad in ithaca, new york, test your knowledge of the underground railroad.

We’ll give you 6 multiple choice and true/false questions from our quiz bank. After each question you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Underground Railroad.

Reach out to our researchers

Use this Hub as a point of entry for research leads on underground railroad activities in Ithaca, Tompkins county, and central New York.

Google Earth "The Underground Railroad" Guided Tour student worksheet

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Description

Accompanies the Google Earth voyager guided tour "The Underground Railroad". Students can complete independently or with partners/groups or together with teacher.

Designed for one 40 minute class period with 7th grade Social Studies students in NYS.

Link to the Google Earth Guided tour "The Underground Railroad" is: Google Earth

Questions & Answers

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Learn about 15 verifiable locations of the Underground Railroad with this virtual field trip. Using a combination of Google Earth™ 360-degree views, video, informational text, and visuals, your students will visit sites from the National Parks Service Network to Freedom as they learn about the Underground Railroad. This virtual field trip has been carefully crafted to address misconceptions and ensure that history is not gamified or trivialized. Click the preview to view more.

This virtual field trip covers:

:: What was the Underground Railroad?

:: Common Misconceptions

:: Today's Terminology

:: Mitchelville Freedom Park (South Carolina)

:: Four Holes Swamp (South Carolina)

:: Ellen & William Craft (Georgia)

:: Historic Brattonsville (South Carolina)

:: Guilford College Woods Underground Railroad Tree (North Carolina)

:: Historic Halifax (North Carolina)

:: Great Dismal Swamp (Virginia)

:: Wickerham Inn (Ohio)

:: Macedonia Baptist Church (Ohio)

:: Bunker Hill House (Ohio)

:: Pettengill House (Illinois)

:: John & Mary Ritchie House (Kansas)

:: Stephen Bogue House (Michigan)

:: Milton House (Wisconsin)

This Virtual Field Trip Includes:

:: Informational Text (build background knowledge)

:: Response Questions (EDITABLE)

:: Google Earth™ Links to 360-degree views

:: Video Links (YouTube)

:: Grading Rubric

:: Everything is set up in Google Slides & ready to go!

SEE PREVIEW FOR MORE DETAILS

How it Works:

This virtual field trip can be conducted teacher-led or shared with students through Google Classroom as an independent assignment. Everything is set up for you. This resource is LOW PREP and would even make great sub plans. Student directions are found within the lesson, and direct links are included to specific Google Earth™ locations and YouTube videos. All work is completed digitally. No printing is necessary.

This virtual field trip is structured. This means that the informational text and links are meaningful and are intended to lead students to think critically as they respond to the questions throughout the virtual field trip. This is also a great way to keep students accountable as they learn and explore. All response questions are EDITABLE, so you can tailor themto your class needs. Students complete this activity in edit mode of Google Slides.

Standards Alignment:

:: Common Core Standards for Reading Informational Text

:: Washington State Social Studies Standards

Grading Rubric:

A grading rubric is included which assesses: accuracy, thoroughness, validity, and writing conventions. Answers will vary throughout, as students are recording their observations and findings.

Technology:

Please note that students will need to access Google Earth™ and YouTube to complete this assignment. Google Earth™ can be accessed on a desktop using Chrome as the browser. If using a tablet or smartphone, simply download the Google Earth App before starting the virtual field trip.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out prior to purchasing. Looking for another virtual field trip that you don’t see? Let me know! I can be reached directly by email at: [email protected]

Michelle McDonald, B.A.E.

Social Studies Education, K-12

Elementary Education K-8

Underground Railroad Freedom Network Virtual Field Trip (15 Locations)

The Underground Railroad

Map. The Underground Railroad was the network used by enslaved black Americans to obtain their freedom in the 30 years before the Civil War (1860-1865).

Geography, Human Geography

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The Underground Railroad was the network used by enslaved black Americans to obtain their freedom in the 30 years before the Civil War (1860-1865). The “railroad” used many routes from states in the South , which supported slavery , to “free” states in the North and Canada. Sometimes, routes of the Underground Railroad were organized by abolitionists , people who opposed slavery . More often, the network was a series of small, individual actions to help fugitive   enslaved persons . Using the terminology of the railroad, those who went south to find enslaved people seeking freedom were called “ pilots .” Those who guided enslaved people to safety and freedom were “ conductors .” The enslaved people were “ passengers .” People’s homes or businesses, where fugitive passengers and conductors could safely hide, were “ stations .” Stations were added or removed from the Underground Railroad as ownership of the house changed. If a new owner supported slavery , or if the site was discovered to be a station , passengers and conductors were forced to find a new station . Establishing stations was done quietly, by word-of-mouth . Very few people kept records about this secret activity, to protect homeowners and the fugitives who needed help. If caught, fugitive enslaved persons would be forced to return to slavery . People caught aiding escaped enslaved people faced arrest and jail. This applied to people living in states that supported slavery as well as those living in free states .

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Last updated.

October 19, 2023

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Last updated: February 9, 2024

Monday - Tuesday  |  Closed Wednesday - Sunday  |  10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

*Last entry at 4:30 p.m.

We encourage both Members and guests to purchase tickets in advance online. Tickets sales are card only (cash sales not available).

General Admission

Adults: $16.50 Seniors (60+) : $14 Children ages 3-12: $11.50 Children under 3: Free

*Last entry at 4:30 p.m. *Plan for your visit to be 3-4 hours *Last showing of most exhibit films begins at 4:00 p.m. *Admission discounts available for AAA, active military, students and educators

Combo Ticket

Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center .

Adults: $20 Seniors (60+): $16 Children ages 3-12: $12 Military: $14

*Combo tickets are only available for purchase in-person. *Combo tickets are valid at reciprocal museum for up to 30 days after purchase. *Operating hours may differ for each museum. *Membership or additional discounts are not applicable on combo tickets. *Group pricing for combo tickets is also available via group sales reservations.

Guided Tours

90 minute guided tours are offered on the 1st Saturday every month.

$10 admission add-on  |  Tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Book online or at check-in*

*Spaces limited. Advanced booking highly recommended.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is located in downtown Cincinnati, on the banks of the Ohio River.

Group Bookings

Things to See

Fifth Third Community Days

Enjoy free admission on the fifth and third sunday each month, plus mlk day and juneteenth. made possible through the generous support of the fifth third foundation..

The Underground Railroad

We are proud to continue telling the stories of brave individuals who risked their lives to dismantle the institution of slavery..

By National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress

The Underground Railroad Book Title Page (2022-07-12) by William Still, creator. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

With its origins in the late 18th century, the Underground Railroad (UGRR) was a network of African Americans and white allies who provided safe houses and different resources to enslaved persons who seek freedom from the South. 

Transatlantic Slave Trade map (2021-01-01) by www.slavevoyages.org National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Transatlantic Slave Trade was the largest forced migration of people across international oceanic borders which brought millions of Africans to the Americas. This event informed the cultural, social, and economic development of African descent in American culture.

Brookes Slave Ship (1788-01-01) by Printed Ephemera Collection (Library of Congress) DLC National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Brookes Slave Ship Diagram

One of the most iconic images that represents the horrors in the transportation of enslaved people was the Brookes slave ship diagram. Spearheaded by a British abolitionist group, the diagram illustrated how they were packed in tight spaces with little room for movement.

Advertisement Public Slave Sale (2022-07-12) by National Underground Railroad Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The Sale of Enslaved People

Enslaved Africans were brought to the Americas as a source of plentiful and cheap labor versus indentured servants who were poor Europeans. An internal slave trade also happened where they were forced to walk over long distances to be sold at a slave auction in the South.

Enslaved People Working (1860-01-01) by Hubbard & Mix National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Working as an Enslaved Person

Enslaved Africans worked both inside and outside of the master's plantation under extremely harsh conditions. While many recognized that they picked cotton, they harvested other crops like rice, sugar, corn, and tobacco, but they did so for their masters; not for them.

Enslaved Family in Front of Home (1862-01-01) by George Harper Houghton National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Family Life

While they endured harsh working conditions, both enslaved adults and their children existed as a typical nuclear family unit. Working 6 days a week, enslaved families used Sundays for church and family time. 

Enslaved People Dancing (1857-01-01) by Frank Leslie National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Leisure Time

Families participated in music storytelling, and religion as an outlet to break away from the brutal conditions of enslavement. Singing spirituals originated as ways of communication and dancing was used to celebrate special occasions. 

Yams or Sweet Potatoes (1800-01-01/1860-01-01) by Library of Congress National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The food brought to the Americas was to ensure that human cargo was kept nourished in order to do manual labor upon landing. These foods include okra, yams, and black-eyed peas which is connected to our current cuisine. 

Soul Food Dinner (2007-10-06) by Jennifer Woodward Maderazo National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Food for the Soul

What is called soul food  today has its origins attached to slavery. Enslaved individuals were forced to eat the animal parts their masters discarded. Enslaved chefs who worked in the house created dishes that Americans consume like gumbo, ox tails, and greens. 

Saucepan (2022-07-12) by National Underground Railroad Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Food Preparation

The method of cooking greens, deep frying fish, and barbecuing meats are several ways enslaved people originated in Africa before the slave trade that became another American cuisine staple. 

Photographic Print– Union Baptist Church of Cincinnati (2022-07-12) by National Underground Railroad Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Religious Life

Religion was an important part among the enslaved. The African American church started in the South where Evangelical Baptist and Methodist preachers traveled around appealing to enslaved people where they adopted and assimilated their own practices in the 18th century.

Negro Church (1936-03-01) by Walker Evans National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Church as a Refuge

The African American church served as a refuge to escape the dehumanizing actions against enslaved individuals in the UGRR by providing food and clothing and teaching them how to read and write. 

A Doll Toy (2022-07-12) by National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Teacher Resource Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Lives of Enslaved Children

Enslaved children engaged in toys and games like masters' children, but in a different capacity. They played with dolls, balls, and jump ropes made with discarded yarn, corn husks, sticks, or rags because there was not an opportunity to purchase toys from a store. 

Carved Sculpture (2022-07-12) by Karen Heyl, creator. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The Underground Railroad Movement

With the inability to endure the grave conditions anymore, enslaved individuals started to make the decision seek freedom. They went to free states (like Ohio), Canada, and the Northeast while some even went West and to Mexico. They also took dangerous chances to achieve safety.

William Still Watercolor Painting (2022-07-12) by Jerry Pinkney, creator. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

William Still and Other Abolitionists

African American abolitionists included Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Henry Box Brown, and William Still. Ohio industrialist John Parker guided freedom seekers risking getting in trouble under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.

Newspaper – Harper’s Weekly (2022-07-12) by National Underground Railroad Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The Turning Point

The Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th Amendment, and Juneteenth were events that impacted the end of slavery. While they did make an impact, it didn't stop the oppression of African Americans in systems like the Jim Crow laws and early mass incarceration. 

EBONY Magazine front cover (2022-07-12) by Ebony Magazine. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Where Do We Go From Here?

While the Civil Rights of 1964 marked a shift in social justice for African Americans since the UGRR, the idea of freedom seeker has never been lost as they continue the fight for racial equity among various power structures in the United States. 

Rachel at Longwood

National underground railroad freedom center, a slave pen journey, discover the transatlantic slave trade to the 13th amendment, my dear wife, i love you.

Google Earth

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Mapping the Underground Railroad

Click here for a Unit plan on Mapping the Underground Railroad.

This Unit is Comprised of Six Lessons.

Lesson 1: Use interactive Journey to Freedom on National Geographic website and write a reflective blog post .

Lesson 2 : Set the foundation for successful group work.

Lesson 3 : Research and take notes on stops along the Underground Railroad.

Lesson 4 : Insert and Save Placemarks for stops along the Underground Railroad on a Google Earth map.

Lesson 5 : Record a Screencast of narrated exploration of the Placemarked stops.

Lesson 6 : Embed Google Earth map screencast into a Blog entry. Write reflective piece collaboratively to post on blog.

Modified by Tina Hurlbert on 11/30/2014

• Planning Board

Underground Railroad Experience Trail

Trail Background

Established in the 1998  Ashton/Sandy Spring Master Plan, the simulated trail did not exist before 1998.   The trail was created by Montgomery Parks to provide more pedestrian trails in the community, preserve the rural landscape and commemorate a part of Sandy Spring and Montgomery County’s history.

There is no documented evidence that Woodlawn Manor’s owners or buildings were involved in the Underground Railroad.

The trail is owned and operated by Montgomery Parks/Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. It is part of the Rachel Carson Greenway and the National Park Service National Underground Railroad   Network to Freedom  program.

For more information on the trail’s creation  1998 Ashton/Sandy Spring Master Plan

What was the Underground Railroad?

The institution of slavery was legal in America until the adoption of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1865.  The term “Underground Railroad” refers to a 19th century loose secret network of people and places who helped enslaved persons seek freedom in northern free states, Canada and elsewhere.

The network was never literally underground or an actual railroad. There are no railroad tracks or tunnels to visit. There was no single route or trail used. The route and safe houses depended upon the freedom seeker’s personal circumstances, starting location and destination.

It was a civil disobedience movement involving many people, places, routes and transportation methods over land and water. It was dangerous for everyone involved and is an important part of American and Montgomery County’s history.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Park grounds and the trail are open year-round, dawn to dusk, FREE

• Covid-19: All trail users are encouraged to follow current county and CDC guidelines on wearing facial coverings, social distancing and hand washing.
• Trail maps available onsite or download a trail map on this page
• The natural surface trail is approximately 2 miles long (4 miles round-trip) through fields and woods. The trail is not ADA accessible or suitable for all strollers. 
• Bicycles are not permitted. Dogs must be on a leash.
• Comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, weather appropriate clothing and sunscreen/insect repellent is recommended.   Tick season is here!
• Free parking. Parking may be limited on weekends spring and fall.
• Restrooms available April – November 20, 2022 during normal Visitor Center hours or for groups of 36+ with advanced reservation. Please plan accordingly.
• Online educational resources available to complement a self-guided visit.
• Groups 35 or less: No reservation needed.
• Groups 36 or more: 1 week advance reservation required. On short notice, groups of 75+ may not be able to be accommodated.
• Contact the Woodlawn Reservations Office 301-929-5989 (Press 5) [email protected]

For information on Group Guided Hikes

For information on Public Guided Hikes

For WMCP Educational Resources 

MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY/FILMING

An advance permit is required for any media photography/filming on Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park grounds and the Underground Railroad Experience Trail.

Contact   [email protected]  or  301-929-5989 .

Content copyright 2007—2008 by Dickinson College , Built by Jeff Mummert

Google Earth Tour Guide: 14 Virtual Tours You'll Want to Check Out

Here are some of the best Google Earth virtual tours available. Travel to the world's most exotic places from your couch!

For ages, Google Earth has remained the go-to service for browsing our globe. You can use this app to visit all corners of the planet from the comfort of your living room. In 2017, Google Earth was also completely overhauled to add more features. This overhaul included additional Google virtual tours to the world's most remote and amazing places.

Here are the best Google Maps tours that are available on Google Earth.

1. Life in the Ocean Deep

With Life in the Ocean Deep, you can discover mysterious sea creatures with the help of renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough. This Google tour takes you on a journey through the many quirky yet breathtaking creatures that inhabit our oceans, like glow-in-the-dark jellyfish and giant crabs.

Assisting this Google Earth tour are a series of videos and underwater maps.

2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Looking to dive into the past? Follow this Google Maps virtual tour as it briefs you on thirty historic landmarks that were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The tour includes but is not limited to, India's Taj Mahal, Cambodia's Towers of Angkor Wat, and Spain's Catedral de Sevilla.

If you're dreaming of traveling, don't forget to plan your itineraries with these smart travel planning apps .

3. This is Home

Sometimes home is where the heart is, even if that home is very far away. With This is Home, Google lets you visit traditional homes from around the world. You'll even get to know about the history behind each of these places and get a glimpse inside the unique structures with Google Street View.

For instance, Jordan's House of Hair is a string of tents constructed from the hair of camels and other animals. It's located in the middle of the desert, but some of the other houses on this tour are located in even more far-flung regions than that.

4. Stop and Smell the Flowers

Stop and Smell the Flowers is a Google virtual tour that takes you on a journey through some of the most breathtaking botanical gardens and arboretums around the world. This tour highlights a total of eleven places, ranging from countries like Russia, Sweden, and Canada, to the Netherlands.

If you're into gardening, then this one is for you.

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca

Every year, many thousands of Muslims embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca, a holy city for practitioners of the Islamic faith. Google's virtual tour lets you learn about this practice, from landing at the Hajj Terminal Jeddah Airport to the final destination of Masjid al-Haram.

6. Global Flea Markets

Have you ever had an interest in bustling flea markets? Experience them yourself with this Google Maps virtual tour. This tour walks you through nine of the most iconic markets worldwide, such as France's Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, India's Anjuna Flea Market, and London's Portobello Market.

While we're still on the subject: If you want to plan a dream vacation, here are some easy ways that you can travel more cheaply .

7. Colorful Street Fests & Carnivals

Being a land of diverse cultures and societies, the world is laden with numerous festivals. The most vibrant of them are covered in a Google Maps tour.

This tour features eight of the biggest celebrations from around the globe. These celebrations include the large-scale food fight La Tomatina in Spain, Holi in India, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

8. Comic Geek Destinations

Unleash your inner geek with this virtual tour that takes you on a trip through a bunch of iconic comic book spots. Comic Geek Destinations curates a total of ten locations known for appearing in various fictional universes. One of these locations is the Parkwood Estate. It was a mansion used by X-Men's Professor Xavier for his school of "Gifted Youngsters."

If you feel like doing some light reading after this tour, here are the best ways to read comics online for free .

9. Iconic Film Locations in the Mediterranean

Are you more of a movie buff than a comic book aficionado? Try out this tour featuring iconic film locations in the Mediterranean.

In this tour, you can travel to each selected landmark where a movie scene has been shot. If you don't want to use Google Earth to find these spots, however, here's how to track down your favorite film locations using websites.

10. International Year of the Reef

Coral reefs have been in peril for many decades now due to the threat of global warming. To raise awareness on this issue, a Google Maps virtual tour was set up to help familiarize the public with the basics.

With the International Year of the Reef, you can see how these marvelous underwater colonies are formed over millions of years. Each chapter in the tour also discusses fundamental topics like coral reef diversity. Additionally, it includes video highlights and subaqueous street view images.

11. In Mandela's Footsteps

Sometimes you can take a virtual walk through history. In Mandela's Footsteps lets you follow the journey of the legendary political leader and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

This tour highlights the places that played a critical role in Mandela's life. For example, there's a page devoted to the University of Fort Hare. It was one of the first institutions in the region that allowed non-white people to study for a post-secondary degree.

12. Reading the ABCs from Space

Perhaps one of the most intriguing virtual tours available on Google Earth is Reading the ABCs from Space. Developed by NASA, this tour consists of twenty-six chapters that reveal locations on the planet that form an alphabet from space.

Our personal favorite is the letter "J" off the coast of Australia, which is made up of a coral reef.

If space is your jam, here are great resources to learn all about Mars .

13. The Beautiful Game

If you're in a World Cup spirit, you might want to check out The Beautiful Game. This Google Earth tour takes you on a trip through some of the planet's most unforgettable soccer destinations. The destinations include the Allianz Arena in Munich, Barcelona's Camp Nou, and Old Trafford in England.

14. National Parks of the United States

Looking for natural wonders closer to home? Especially ones that will help you appreciate the great outdoors?

If so, then you need to check out the National Parks of the United States. It's a virtual tour that will take you on a journey through the most pristine areas of wilderness from coast to coast, ranging from Acadia National Park to Denali.

Use a Google Tour to Visit the World

While all of these virtual tours are absolutely amazing, we've barely scratched the surface in just how many there are. If you go deep-diving through the archives, you'll also find that the tours are divided into subcategories like nature, culture, education, and street view. The best thing about the tours is that they're entirely free. A reliable, high-bandwidth connection to view them is a must, however.

For those that want to dig deeper into this app, it might surprise you to learn that Google Earth is an offshoot of Google Maps. With that in mind, take some time to understand how Google Maps works .

Stuck at home and long to go outside? Here are a few more virtual outdoors tours you can do from home and live sightseeing webcams you can stream .

Explore Google Earth

Grab the helm and go on an adventure in Google Earth.