For many years, slavery was a part of the history of the United States. In the early 1800s, though, the country began to split into two over whether slavery should be allowed or not. Some of those who believed slaves should be free tried to help them escape. Safe houses became known as the Underground Railroad. Guides called "conductors" took the slaves to places where "station masters" kept them hidden until it was safe to travel north to freedom. Many slaves fleeing from Virginia and Maryland escaped through Delaware.

The Underground Railroad began in Dover, Delaware, and ran through Wilmington into Pennsylvania. Many slaves escaped along this path. Thomas Garrett became a famous abolitionist, a person who was against slavery. He was born in 1789 in Pennsylvania to a Quaker family. When he was a young man, he rescued a free black woman who worked in his family home but had been kidnapped and forced into slavery. After freeing her, he devoted his life to the freedom of all. In 1822, Garrett and his wife moved to Wilmington, where he ran an iron and blacksmith business. In his home in Wilmington, he aided many runaway slaves by giving them food, clothing, and a place to stay. In 1848, Garrett was found guilty of aiding slaves, who were considered someone's property. He lost almost everything as punishment. Even then Garrett said, "Friend, I haven't a dollar in the world, but if thee knows a fugitive who needs a breakfast, send him to me." In 1850, he became friends with Harriet Tubman. Garrett helped her bring her family north to freedom.

On March 30, 1870, when the 15th Amendment became law, blacks in Wilmington carried Garrett through the streets, praising him. He had helped more than 2,700 slaves become free. When he died, 1,500 people came to his funeral.

Which of the following describes the early 1800s?
1. Everyone believed slavery should exist
2. No one believed slavery should exist
3. There was disagreement over whether slavery should exist
4. It was impossible for slaves to escape slavery in the South
Which of the following would be unlikely?
1. A slave who was forced to work in Virginia
2. An abolitionist who owned slaves
3. A slave who was forced to work in Maryland
4. A “station master” who tried to help slaves escape
Which best describes the path a slave might have taken to freedom?
1. From Virginia >> Pennsylvania >> Maryland
2. From Dover >> Pennsylvania >> Wilmington
3. From Wilmington >> Pennsylvania >> Dover
4. From Dover >> Wilmington >> Pennsylvania
When did Thomas Garrett devote his life to helping slaves?
1. In 1870
2. After he met Harriet Tubman
3. In 1789
4. After he helped a slave woman to freedom
Which of the following best matches Garrett’s quote in the second paragraph?
1. “Even though I don’t have money, I’m willing to help slaves however I can.”
2. “Even though I don’t have money, I’m very good at cooking breakfast.”
3. “Please send me any slaves who can help me with cooking breakfast.”
4. “I am happy to cook breakfast for any slaves that have a few dollars.”
Based on the passage, what does the 15th Amendment of the United States Constitution probably refer to as mentioned in the last paragraph?
1. The 15th Amendment probably ended the Civil War
2. The 15th Amendment probably gave African-Americans a new freedom
3. The 15th Amendment probably ended freedom
4. The 15th Amendment meant people like Thomas Garrett would no longer be poor
Which of the following best describes Garrett’s impact on the world?
1. He started the Underground Railroad
2. 1,500 people came to his funeral
3. He helped 2,700 people who were slaves become free
4. He had befriended Harriet Tubman