was there an actual underground railroad
The Underground Railroad consisted of a vast network of people and was not run by any single organization or person. Indeed, most of those involved only knew about their particular part of the operation and not the overall picture. The Underground Railroad effectively moved many slaves to freedom each year. Its use peaked between 1850 and 1860. Some estimate that up to 100,000 slaves had escaped via the Underground Railroad by 1850. For all those involved, running away to freedom was a dangerous and difficult ordeal.