Reality: Slavery at one time had been legal in Pennsylvania and all other British colonies. Prior to 1780, slavery generally was accepted in York County.
Myth: York County residents were staunchly opposed to slavery.
Reality: Even though a number of York County residents were active abolitionists, most citizens were indifferent to the issues of slavery.
Myth: Most Northerners believed in racial equality.
Reality: Even though many Northerners were opposed to slavery, they still practiced racial segregation.
Myth: The Underground Railroad was a highly organized network of "conductors" and "stations."
Reality: Few areas developed sophisticated networks. Help to the fugitive slave happened almost accidentally, and sometimes consisted of no more than a little food and directions to another friendly house.
Myth: Fugitive slaves were hidden in secret compartments in "safe" houses until it was time to move on.
Reality: Fugitive slaves were hidden, when necessary, in many places - in houses, as well as barns, outbuildings, fields and secluded wooded areas.
Myth: Fugitive slaves traveled only at night under the cover of darkness.
Reality: After crossing the Mason-Dixon Line, fugitive slaves could travel at any time over open fields and public roads, meeting with little resistance. However, caution was used, as slave catchers were always a threat.
Myth: A fugitive slave's journey was over after crossing the Mason-Dixon Line into York County.
Reality: Some fugitive slaves did settle in York County to build a new life, but many continued northward and eastward to other hospitable locations, such as Philadelphia, New York, Boston and Canada.
- York County Heritage Trust/Almost Forgotten