The Underground Railroad, a system of abolitionists and supporters assisting enslaved individuals in their journey to freedom, depended on secretive methods of communication to avoid being discovered. To ensure the safety of those involved, various secret codes, signals, and methods were employed. These codes allowed the conductors of the Railroad to guide freedom seekers on their perilous journey without drawing attention, using everyday objects, songs, and even the language of the Bible to convey hidden meanings. Here are five of the most intriguing codes used during this remarkable period.

1. Quilt Patterns as Secret Messages

One of the most enduring theories about the Underground Railroad’s secret communication involves quilts. Some historians suggest that certain quilt patterns served as signals to convey messages. For example, patterns like “Monkey Wrench” or “Drunkard’s Path” were believed to direct freedom seekers or alert them about the next steps in their journey. While much of the evidence for this practice is anecdotal, the idea of quilts as coded messages has captured public imagination, sparking ongoing debate about their actual use.

2. Spirituals with Hidden Instructions

Spirituals, deeply intertwined with the lives of enslaved people, were often used to communicate vital information. Songs like “Follow the Drinking Gourd” are thought to have contained hidden navigational instructions, referring to the Big Dipper constellation as a guide to the North. While many songs expressed the desire for freedom, certain spirituals were carefully crafted to offer guidance without raising suspicion, signaling when to move or which direction to take. This clever use of music as a code kept both the conductors and freedom seekers safe.

3. Common Objects as Code

The Underground Railroad also utilized everyday items as subtle indicators. Items such as baskets, quilts, and even the positioning of a broom could signal vital messages to those in the know. For instance, an upside-down broom hanging on a porch could indicate a safe house, while a basket left on a doorstep might signal that it was time to move on. These codes were cleverly embedded in daily life, allowing freedom seekers to communicate without drawing unwanted attention from others who weren’t in the loop.

4. Coded Language in Letters and Correspondence

Abolitionists employed coded language in their written messages to safeguard their own identities as well as those they assisted. William Still, often called the “Father of the Underground Railroad,” was known to use subtle phrases in his letters. Expressions such as “four large hams” signified four adult fugitives, while “two small hams” referred to two children.. By masking the true meaning of these letters with innocuous-sounding words, conductors ensured that any intercepted messages wouldn’t compromise their mission.

5. Religious Symbolism as a Guide

Religion played a significant role in the communication methods of the Underground Railroad. Words like “Heaven” or “Promised Land” were used as code for Canada, the final destination for many escaping slavery. The Bible itself was often cited as a metaphorical map, with promises of freedom and deliverance symbolizing the ultimate goal of freedom. Using religious symbolism provided a layer of protection for those involved, as religious language was less likely to raise suspicion from outsiders or authorities.