Tomlinson Lake Hike To Freedom

"North Americas Northernmost Route of the Underground Railroad"

Codes & Quilts

Secrecy was important in order to keep “Passengers” on the Underground Railroad safe. Certain objects were used as a form of code to communicate. It was quite common for owners of safe houses to use quilts and quilt patterns to communicate with those seeking a safe place to hide or to get supplies.
The quilt in the background is a genuine 1800's quilt with the Drunkard's Path pattern. It would have been displayed to warn 'Passengers' to take a wandering path to evade capture.
​An example of an1800's quilt with the Bear's Paws pattern. Here Passengers were encouraged to take a mountian path out of site, then follow an anamal's path to find food and supplies.


Monkey Wrench

Cleveland, Ohio is referred to here,  as it was a crossroad for multiple routes of the Underground Railroad.
A signal to gather supplies for travel,

Flying Geese

Log Cabin

The trek north to Canada would take more supplies than one could carry at once.  This pattern indicates a chance to gather more supplies. 
Along the route, information was very valuable, but speaking to the wrong person was dangerous.  This symbol indicated someone who was safe to speak to.

Shoe Fly

Tumbling Blocks

Used to indicate a guide was nearby
Your escape is soon.  Box up your belongings now!

Wagon Wheel

North Star

Where wagons could be used, Passengers required different supplies or tools than other means of travel.
North was the direction of the Railroad.  This was a reminder to follow the North Star, part of the Little Dipper constalation.

Bow Ties

Disguises were a big part of the journey.  Especially for escaping slaves trying to travel descretly in the Free States, they would need a change of clothes.