Reflections on the Railroad
Journal entries from trip participants, posted from the road...

"Walking over the bridge with the group will be a memory forever."

"Important for kids to know one is made a slave -- not born a slave. Important that kids know there was not just one [Underground Railroad]."

"It is interesting to develop a broader sense of a topic, consider the cause and effects of situations. It makes history come alive."

"Canada is known as a multi-cultural country. They are referred to as a mosaic. In comparison, American society refers to itself as a melting pot."

"In Detroit, Michigan, we visited Elmwood Cemetery where both prominent and those not so prominent are buried. Black troop casualties of the Civil War were inscribed with 'COL' or 'CDL' on the headstones."

"It's wonderful to meet descendants of the U.G.R.R. network. I had no idea of what had happened to the descendants who reside in Canada. I'm elated to learn of the involvement of Canada and the 'salad bowl' acceptance that promoted a positive multi-cultural society."

"This was a good feeling day. To learn that they (enslaved Africans) made it and made a life for themselves and that their history is being maintained and shared. The wealth of knowledge that each site presented is overwhelming. A joyous day for sure."

"While Kevin [Cottrell] spoke about his re-enactments I realized that, although a playground isn't Kentucky, we could do the same thing. I could post some kids along the 'trail' with their parts, which they would research. The others can try to get through. Landmarks can be posted, too."

"Today I saw many more 'last stops' on the UGRR, specifically the final trial for some, the crossing of the Upper Niagara River and Lake Erie. Though I have heard tell many of the fugitives fled in Winter, I myself could not imagine the bitter cold that must have penetrated feet and hands as they ran across the ice. But the realization that warmth and safety was just across the flat white expanse must have kept them going, an adrenaline rush -- Freedom and Life."

The "Footsteps to Freedom 1999" Route

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