What does the term "Underground Railroad" refer to?

The term "Underground Railroad" refers to a system of secret routes used by escaping slaves to find freedom. This network was established in the early to mid-19th century, primarily in the United States, as a way to help enslaved individuals escape from the southern slaveholding states to northern states or Canada where they could be free. The operation involved abolitionists, both black and white, who provided safe havens and assistance to the fleeing slaves. It was characterized by its secrecy and the use of coded language, as those involved sought to protect themselves from the legal repercussions associated with assisting escaped slaves. The term itself symbolizes a means of escape and the collective efforts of many people working against the institution of slavery.