Abolition & the Underground Railroad in Vermont

by Michelle Arnosky Sherburne

Many believe that support for the abolition of slavery was universally accepted in Vermont, but it was actually a fiercely divisive issue that rocked the Green Mountain State. In the midst of turbulence and violence, though, some brave Vermonters helped fight for the freedom of their enslaved Southern brethren. Thaddeus Stevens--one of abolition's most outspoken advocates--was a Vermont native. Delia Webster, the first woman arrested for aiding a fugitive slave, was also a Vermonter. The Rokeby house in Ferrisburgh was a busy Underground Railroad station for decades. Peacham's Oliver Johnson worked closely with William Lloyd Garrison during the abolition movement. Discover the stories of these and others in Vermont who risked their own lives to help more than four thousand slaves to freedom.

Genres: History

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2013

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery, however that didn't clear the state or its citizens of issues on the matter of racism, and it didn't mean that everyone or the system at large favored abolitionists. Being born free, or having been freed, didn't save African Americans from harassment, violence, or even being sold or sold back into slavery. Sherburne delves into the complicated history of Vermont during abolitionism, citing statistics and passing along anecdotes from freed slaves, fugitive slaves, and men and women born into freedom, all of whom suffered for the color of their skin and the uncertainty of the times. She also investigates the operation of the Underground Railroad in Vermont during this period of time.

The book includes photos of people and places that really help the reader to understand the look and feel of the times. The maps are useful to visualize locations and proximity. Details about the homes, the escape routes, and the towns all paint a clear picture of the stories that are shared in this important and factual book. Though facts are often shared in lists, the stories of the places and people are woven in with enough frequency that it is not too dry. Still, the stories and facts are all a bit disjointed; I felt this could have had a better flow.

[Matt Shingler · Rating 2 out of 5]

White lady says racism ended after slavery, and then endlessly lists facts with zero narrative. Riddled with typos and grammatical errors. An editor and some focus would have gone a long way with this one. And speaking with any people of color.

[Catherine Symchych · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was most disappointed to discover how much anti-abolishment there was in Vermont. Having visited Rokeby House and getting a pamphlet on Underground Railroad and African American sites in the state, I was surprised at the violent protests and actions taken in the state.

[Terrance D Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proud of Vermont's Participation!

Being a long time Vermonter, I am proud to read this can't put down book on our participation in the History of the Underground Railroad.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

More an iteration of facts (which I’ll add are v interesting) than a narrative. Could be useful as a bibliographical input but doesn’t really stand on its own.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book about the Underground Railroad in Vermont. It details how the people of Vermont felt about slavery, some pro and some con. It gave a lot of details about people who were directly involved in helping people make it to freedom. I thought this book was very interesting. I bought the book while on a trip in Vermont, so it was interesting to see some of the places mentioned in the book.