Safe Houses: The Underground Railroad in Fall River

Safe Houses: The Underground Railroad in Fall River, is a look at the city’s role in the emancipation of slaves during the Civil War by utilizing the country’s Underground Railroad network.

In particular, the documentary examines six properties in the city where local abolitionists, sympathetic to the cause of slaves, assisted in their transfer from the South to free states and Canada.

[eleanorsmith]

Thanks so much for this information. Thanks to all those who played a part in the Underground Railroad.

[froey]

I painted a couple of houses in the highlands where they still have the tunnels under the houses.

[eas]

I'm proud that my family opened their home in Kansas to assist in the Underground Railroad. No human should have to experience such atrocities. I will continue to carry on my family's beliefs (that of Dr. MLK, and many others) and pray that one day people will be judged by their character and not the color of their skin.

[alexandermarquis]

In my wild imagination, I saw tracks that lead into the ground. Symbolizing the journeys start sight unseen. Loved it thanx 👍

[ssss]

Shout to white folks that would help us . Even though anybody with a human heart would know to help ppl being keep under their will . It still means a lot . To be raise in the south and fight against injustice despite losing you’re life and family you still fight for what is right . I’m sure they play a special role in heaven . God blessed them both our ancestors as well . ❤️

[kathleencarroll]

It's good to know that there are folks who will stand against evil. They were truly heros! They put their lives and family lives at risk!!! This video was very well done. Thank you.

[lennyluzitano]

Fall River anti slavery society of Fall wonderful..

[patvee]

This is so fascinating. To think that many of these stops were right in my neighborhood growing up. Amazing work FRCMedia, thank you!

[ramonakearns]

I love history. I'm so proud of my ancestors because I'm standing on their shoulders and sharing whatever information I can find with the youth. Because they need to know how important people of color have contributed to this country.

[PeaceIsYeshua]

I really enjoyed this. Thank y’all so much. It’s very inspiring to learn of the people willing to risk so much to do the right thing. ❤️

[joanseddon]

An excellent, high quality, positive example of Fall River's history. Please be sure to show it to our children in the Fall River Public School System as a part of their History and/or Civics class. It is something to be proud about Fall River.

[thomaslinton]

The statutory fine for aidding and abetting the escape of a slave was $1, 000. Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, Section 7. "a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, and imprisonment not exceeding six months, by indictment and conviction before the District Court of the United States for the district in which such offence may have been committed, or before the proper court of criminal jurisdiction...."

Such a person could also be sued civilly by the slave "owner" for up to $1, 000 for each slave excaped thrpough their assistance. Id.