The Most Famous Conductor of the Underground Railroad, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the conductor you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 7, 2024 07:05

Historical figures who guided countless slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad hold an important place in history. Their sagas are filled with courage, ingenuity, and a relentless pursuit of liberty, marking significant contributions to human rights. However, individual recognition among them often varies, which is where a ranked list can provide clarity and perspective. By participating in voting for the most notable conductor, users contribute to a collective recognition of these heroes' achievements. This process not only educates on the various pivotal roles played but also strengthens the appreciation of their brave actions. The rankings reflect public perception and engagement, offering an interactive way to acknowledge historical impact.

Who Is the Most Famous Conductor of the Underground Railroad?

1

44
votes
Photographer: Horatio Seymour Squyer, 1848 - 18 Dec 1905 · Public domain

Harriet Tubman

Widely regarded as the "Moses of her people," Harriet Tubman is perhaps the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. She made 13 missions to rescue over 70 enslaved people, risking her own life in the process.
Harriet Tubman in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous African American
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person from Maryland
2

37
votes

William Still

Known as the "Father of the Underground Railroad," William Still was a prominent abolitionist and conductor who helped over 800 enslaved people escape to freedom. He also documented their stories in his book, "The Underground Railroad."
3

12
votes

Levi Coffin

Levi Coffin and his wife, Catherine, were prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad in Indiana. They helped over 2,000 enslaved people escape to freedom and their home in Fountain City, Indiana was known as the "Grand Central Station" of the Underground Railroad.
4

21
votes

UnknownUnknown · Public domain

Thomas Garrett

A Quaker businessman from Delaware, Thomas Garrett was a conductor of the Underground Railroad who helped over 2,700 enslaved people escape to freedom. He was also a staunch abolitionist who helped fundraise for the anti-slavery cause.
5

14
votes

Engraving by Thomas Doney · Public domain

John Fairfield

A white abolitionist from Ohio, John Fairfield was known for his daring rescues of enslaved people from Kentucky. He disguised himself as a slave trader to gain access to plantations and would then help enslaved people escape to freedom.
6

18
votes

William Page · Public domain

Isaac Hopper

A Quaker abolitionist from New York, Isaac Hopper was a conductor of the Underground Railroad who helped over 2,000 enslaved people escape to freedom. He also worked to improve conditions for free Black people in New York City.
7

14
votes

National Olympic Committee of Iran · Public domain

Josiah Henson

A formerly enslaved man who escaped to freedom in Canada, Josiah Henson became a conductor of the Underground Railroad and helped over 100 enslaved people escape to freedom. His memoir, "The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave," inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
8

7
votes

Samuel Burris

A Black conductor of the Underground Railroad in Delaware, Samuel Burris helped over 200 enslaved people escape to freedom. He was eventually caught and sentenced to prison, but his bravery inspired others to continue the fight for freedom.
9

3
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

James Rankin

A Quaker abolitionist from Pennsylvania, James Rankin was a conductor of the Underground Railroad who helped over 1,000 enslaved people escape to freedom. He also worked to educate Black people and promote their rights.
10

7
votes

HIstorybuff2283 · Public domain

Laura Smith Haviland

A white abolitionist from Michigan, Laura Smith Haviland was a conductor of the Underground Railroad who helped over 1,000 enslaved people escape to freedom. She also founded a school for Black children and worked to promote women's rights.

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Ranking factors for famous conductor

Number of successful rescues

The conductor's ability to successfully rescue enslaved people from captivity and guide them to freedom is a crucial factor.
Risks taken

The level of danger and risks that the conductor faced in their work, including the possibility of arrest, imprisonment, and physical violence.
Legacy and impact

The conductor's long-term legacy and impact on the abolition movement and the history of slavery in the United States.
Resources and network

The conductor's access to resources, such as safe houses, funding, support from allies, and a broad network of contacts, could also be considered.
Personal qualities

The personal qualities of the conductor, such as bravery, ingenuity, charisma, and perseverance should also be taken into account when determining their ranking.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Conductor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1279 views
174 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Conductor once every 24 hours. The rank of each Conductor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous conductor of the underground railroad

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Conductors, or leaders of the Underground Railroad, played a crucial role in guiding and protecting escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. Among the most famous conductors was Harriet Tubman, who personally led over 300 slaves to freedom and became known as the "Moses of her people." Other notable conductors included William Still, Levi Coffin, and Henry "Box" Brown. Their bravery and determination helped countless slaves escape the horrors of slavery and find a new life of freedom.