Slaves had been escaping for freedom as long as they had been in America. But the term “Underground Railroad” began in the 1830s when railroads were spreading across the country. Before long, railroad terms were also used to identify the people, hiding places, and runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. Fugitives were referred to as “passengers” or “baggage.” A “conductor” guided slaves to safe places. “Stationmasters” hid slaves in their homes or “stations.”

Sometimes the language was more secretive to conceal details about the Underground Railroad. After all, helping runaway slaves was illegal and dangerous, so everything had to be done in secret. For example, the conductor William Still received this telegram in Philadelphia: “I have sent via at two o’clock four large and two small hams.” This coded message alerted him of the arrival of four fugitives – two adults and two children. The word “via” signaled they would not arrive on the regular train, as authorities expected, but on the train from Reading. Still was able to meet them at the correct depot and help them escape.