Sunday, January 21, 2007

The Unknown Border: Underground Railroad

The ultimate goal of the underground railroad was to usher slaves from the southern states to the north and even into Canada where they most likely could not be extradited. The main points of crossing for slaves were at the Detroit and Niagra Rivers, making the Detroit/Windsor border somewhat transparent in that African Americans could cross the border without any kind of officiality but also a significant milestone in their journey because they were essentially free once in Canada.

I'm on my way to Canada
That cold and distant land
The dire effects of slavery
I can no longer stand -Farewell, old master.
Don't come after me.
I'm on my way to Canada
Where coloured men are free.

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