May 7, 2023 Underground Railroad Language


Underground Railroad Secret Codes

Supporters of the Underground Railroad used words railroad conductors employed everyday to create their own code as secret language in order to help slaves escape. Railroad language was chosen because the railroad was an emerging form of transportation and its communication language was not widespread. Code words would be used in letters to “agents” so that if they were intercepted they could not be caught. Underground Railroad code was also used in songs sung by slaves to communicate among each other without their masters being aware.

These are the most commonly used code words and their meanings:

AgentCoordinator, who plotted courses of escape and made contacts.
BaggageFugitive slaves carried by Underground Railroad workers.
Bundles of woodFugitives that were expected.
CanaanCanada
ConductorPerson who directly transported slaves
Drinking GourdBig Dipper and the North Star
Flying bondsmenThe number of escaping slaves
ForwardingTaking slaves from station to station
Freedom trainThe Underground Railroad
French leaveSudden departure
Gospel train The Underground Railroad
HeavenCanada, freedom
StockholderThose who donated money, food, clothing.
Load of potatoesEscaping slaves hidden under farm produce in a wagon
MosesHarriet Tubman
OperatorPerson who helped freedom seekers as a conductor or agent
ParcelFugitives that were expected
Patter rollerBounty hunter hired to capture slaves
PreachersLeaders of and spokespersons for the Underground Railroad
Promised LandCanada
River JordanOhio River
ShepherdsPeople who encouraged slaves to escape and escorted them
StationPlace of safety and temporary refuge, a safe house
Station masterKeeper or owner of a safe house

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