MNopedia Article: The Underground Railroad in Minnesota
Although long ignored in Underground Railroad scholarship, this MNopedia article details evidence that small groups of abolitionists in Minnesota aided freedom seekers along waterways, territorial-era stagecoach roads, and via the help of Black-owned businesses and white allies. These networks connected with others in Galena, Chicago, St. Louis and elsewhere.
MNopedia Article: Moses Dickson letter
On March 24, 1857, Moses Dickson wrote a scathing open letter to the Minnesota Weekly Times about freedom, democracy, and citizenship for Black Americans in the wake of the Dred Scott ruling, both in Minnesota and nationwide. This new MNopedia article provides context.
Curriculum
Coming FALL 2025.
Need ideas for how to talk about the Underground Railroad or other stories of pre-Civil War freedom seeking in our region?
Check back soon for curriculum related to Moses Dickson, Dred and Harriet Scott, and other freedom seekers in the Midwest, currently being developed with educators at Minneapolis Public Schools.
Reading List
Click here to explore scholarly, peer-reviewed readings about the Underground Railroad in the Midwest and related topics.
Primary Sources
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Learn more about the precariousness of freedom in the North, the Black abolitionist movement, and other topics through historical documents.
Digital Resources and Videos
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Explore some of our favorite digital resources and videos from partners, friends, and colleagues studying the nineteenth century Black Midwest.