Black History Month Celebration: McHenry County's Link to the Underground Railroad

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history.  One significant aspect of Black history is the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada during the 19th century.  It was not an actual railroad, but a metaphorical term used to describe the network of people, places, and resources that aided in the escape of enslaved individuals. The Underground Railroad played a crucial role in the fight against slavery and the quest for freedom. It was a dangerous and clandestine operation, with conductors (people who helped guide and transport escaped slaves) risking their lives to assist those seeking freedom. Harriet Tubman, a prominent figure in Black history, was one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad, leading numerous enslaved individuals to freedom. The…