The Slaves Had to Keep Moving
Safe houses like the ones under Poulos’ home were only 15 feet down, 9 feet wide and 9 and a half feet long, so they couldn’t accommodate a lot of people long-term. It’s why so many runaways kept on moving, and it’s a good thing that they did for both themselves and those who helped them. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 stated that anyone helping slaves escape would get fined $1,000 and face up to six months behind bars. It’s why the former slaves opted for Canada, whose laws towards blacks were far more merciful. Unfortunately, some allies paid the price along the way.