In the decades before the Civil War, slavery's grip on America Titan, but soon a diverse group of abolitionists, both black and white, began to construct a clandestine path to freedom for the enslaved. Hosted by Lindsay Graham, and and people that shaped American Americans, our values, our struggles, and our dreams.

In the latest series, American History Towers explores the Underground Railroad, a covert network

of secret routes and safe houses operated by men and women committed to helping

enslave people escape bondage in the South.

Fugitive slaves and anyone helping them face terrible violence and even death if caught.

But for those brave enough to risk the journey,

the Underground Railroad offered a path

to the Northern states and Canada, where

they had the possibility of freedom.

I'm about to play a clip from American history tellers,

follow American history tellers on the Wundery app or wherever you get your

podcasts. Imagine it's January 1838 in Ripley, Ohio.

Wind rattles the windows of the Red Oak Presbyterian Church where a meeting of the local

Anti-Slavery Society has just adjourned.

You are a dedicated abolitionist and over the past few

years you've sheltered fugitive slaves in your barn. But even so every time you

attend a meeting here you feel a renewed passion for the cause as you rise to win. a You walk toward him and extend the hand and greeting.

I don't believe we've met before.

A man stands and gives you a firm shake.

The name's Jacob.

I have a small farm just up the road in Russellville.

And what brought you here today, Jacob?

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