The Most Famous Conductor of the Underground Railroad, Ranked

Choose the conductor you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 24, 2024 07:35
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. 1
    44
    points
    Harriet Tubman

    Harriet Tubman

    An African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and during the American Civil War, a Union spy. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some thirteen missions to rescue approximately seventy enslaved people, family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.
    • Nickname: Moses
    • Born: March 1822
  2. 2
    37
    points
    William Still

    William Still

    Often called 'The Father of the Underground Railroad', William Still helped as many as 800 slaves escape to freedom during the 14 years of his involvement with the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society. He meticulously documented the stories of the fugitive slaves who passed through the Philadelphia 'station' of the Underground Railroad.
    • Published: The Underground Railroad Records
    • Born: October 7, 1821
  3. 3
    21
    points
    Thomas Garrett

    Thomas Garrett

    A Quaker abolitionist who dedicated his life to the cause of abolishing slavery and helping enslaved people escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Garrett worked closely with Harriet Tubman and is credited with helping more than 2,700 slaves reach freedom.
    • Location: Delaware
    • Assisted: Over 2,700 slaves
  4. 4
    14
    points

    John Fairfield

    An abolitionist from a slaveholding family in Virginia, Fairfield made several daring rescues, helping slaves escape from the Southern United States. He is noted for his inventive methods of evasion from authorities.
    • Origin: Virginia
    • Method: Inventive Evasion Techniques
  5. 5
    12
    points
    Levi Coffin

    Levi Coffin

    A Quaker abolitionist known as the 'President of the Underground Railroad' because of his significant role in helping more than 3,000 slaves escape from the South. Coffin and his wife Catherine provided food, shelter, and safe passage for fugitive slaves at their home in Indiana, which is often referred to as 'Grand Central Station' of the Underground Railroad.
    • Home Location: Indiana
    • Assisted: Over 3,000 slaves
  6. 6
    7
    points
    Samuel Burris

    Samuel Burris

    An African-American abolitionist and a conductor on the Underground Railroad in Delaware in the early to mid-19th century. He was caught, tried, and convicted for helping slaves escape, but his freedom was purchased by abolitionists.
    • Location: Delaware
    • Pardoned: 2015
  7. 7
    0
    points
    John Brown

    John Brown

    An abolitionist who believed in and advocated armed insurrection as the only way to overthrow the institution of slavery in the United States. While he is better known for his raid on Harpers Ferry, he also helped free slaves through the Underground Railroad.
    • Raid: Harpers Ferry
    • Method: Armed insurrection
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Frederick Douglass

    Frederick Douglass

    An African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, known for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings. He also helped slaves escape through the Underground Railroad.
    • Escaped Slave: Yes
    • Published: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Sojourner Truth

    Sojourner Truth

    An African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist. Truth was born into slavery in New York, but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. She went on to become a preacher and spoke against slavery and for the rights of women, helping slaves escape to freedom.
    • Born: 1797
    • Famous Speech: Ain't I a Woman?
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Henry Box Brown

    Henry Box Brown

    An African-American abolitionist who escaped from slavery by mailing himself in a wooden crate from Richmond, Virginia, to abolitionists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After his escape, he became a noted abolitionist speaker and published his autobiography.
    • Escape Method: Mailed Himself in a Crate
    • Published: Narrative of Henry Box Brown

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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!

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  • 135 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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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.

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More about the Most Famous Conductor of the Underground Railroad

Harriet Tubman
Rank #1 for the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad: Harriet Tubman (Source)
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses. It helped enslaved African Americans escape to free states and Canada. Brave individuals risked their lives to guide others to freedom. Among these heroes, one conductor stood out for their unmatched dedication and success.

This conductor was born into slavery. They experienced the harsh realities of bondage firsthand. Despite the oppressive conditions, they developed a strong sense of justice and a deep desire for freedom. Escaping from slavery was a monumental task. Yet, this conductor managed to flee, overcoming immense obstacles.

Once free, they could have chosen a life of safety and anonymity. Instead, they made a bold decision. They returned to the South multiple times to rescue others. Each journey was fraught with danger. Slave catchers and harsh laws made the missions perilous. Yet, the conductor pressed on, driven by an unwavering commitment to liberate others.

They used various tactics to avoid detection. They traveled at night and used the North Star for guidance. They relied on a network of allies who provided shelter and resources. These allies were often abolitionists, both black and white, who shared the same goal. Together, they formed a formidable team.

The conductor's efforts were incredibly effective. They led many enslaved individuals to freedom. Their success earned them widespread respect and admiration. Their name became synonymous with courage and tenacity. They inspired both their contemporaries and future generations.

The legacy of this conductor is profound. They demonstrated the power of individual action in the fight against injustice. Their story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It also highlights the importance of solidarity and collective effort.

The Underground Railroad was not a literal railroad. It was a complex and dangerous operation. The bravery of this conductor and others like them was crucial to its success. Their actions saved countless lives and struck a blow against the institution of slavery.

Today, the conductor's story is celebrated in books, films, and educational programs. Their life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have. It also underscores the importance of fighting for justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Underground Railroad remains a symbol of resistance and hope. The conductor's role in it exemplifies the best of humanity. Their courage, intelligence, and determination continue to inspire. Their contributions to the cause of freedom are immeasurable.

The legacy of this conductor is not just a historical footnote. It is a call to action. It reminds us that the fight for justice is ongoing. It encourages us to stand up against oppression in all its forms. The conductor's story is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a more just and equitable world.

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