What happened to fugitive slaves who were caught?
If they were caught, any number of terrible things could happen to them. Many captured fugitive slaves were flogged, branded, jailed, sold back into slavery, or even killed. Not only did fugitive slaves have the fear of starvation and capture, but there were also threats presented by their surroundings.
What was the punishment for helping slaves escape?
Any person aiding a runaway slave by providing shelter, food or any other form of assistance was liable to six months' imprisonment and a $500 fine an expensive penalty in those days.
What happened to slaves who escaped to a free state?
Under the provisions of the act, slaves who escaped to free states or federal territories could be forcibly returned to their masters. Anyone who aided a fugitive slave -- and federal marshals who failed to enforce the law -- faced severe punishment.
Which is true of northerners who assisted escaped slaves?
Which is true of Northerners who assisted escaped slaves? They were breaking federal law.
How did the slaves escape?
Many Means of Escape Most often they traveled by land on foot, horse, or wagon under the protection of darkness. Drivers concealed self-liberators in false compartments built into their wagons, or hid them under loads of produce. Sometimes, fleeing slaves traveled by train.
Who was the first to escape slavery?
Harriet TubmanBornAraminta Ross c. March 1822 Dorchester County, Maryland, U.S.DiedMarch 10, 1913 (aged 90–91) Auburn, New York, U.S.Resting placeFort Hill Cemetery, Auburn, New York, U.S.42.9246°N 76.5750°WOther namesMinty Moses6 more rows
What was the name given to colonies that were created from escaped slaves?
People who escaped enslavement formed what were called maroon communities; these communities successfully resisted recapture and formed their own autonomous groups.