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From Midnight to Dawn: The Last Tracks of the Underground Railroad
From Midnight to Dawn presents compelling portraits of the men and women who established the Underground Railroad and traveled it to find new lives in Canada. Evoking the turmoil and controversies of the time, Tobin illuminates the historic events that forever connected American and Canadian history by giving us the true stories behind well-known figures such as Harriet Tubman and John Brown. She also profiles lesser-known but equally heroic figures such as Mary Ann Shadd, who became the first black female newspaper editor in North America, and Osborne Perry Anderson, the only black survivor of the fighting at Harpers Ferry. An extraordinary examination of a part of American history, From Midnight to Dawn will captivate readers with its tales of hope, courage, and a people’s determination to live equally under the law.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 13, 2013
I found this book extremely interesting. The timeline begins at the War of 1812 and continues thru the Civil War and after. It tells the story of tens of thousands of African Americans (especially runaway slaves as they fled to Canada in search of freedom, equality and a better life. this novel rediscovers the important episode in both nations' histories and provides a masterful retelling in clear and moving language. She does a masterful job of research and includes many individuals we've all heard of-Harriet Tubman and John Brown. But there are equally heroic, less familiar figures here as well, like Mary Ann Shadd, who became the first black female newspaper editor in North America and Osborne Perry Anderson, the only black survivor of the fighting at Harper's Ferry. This book helps to clarify the people, places and actions of people who made the "underground railroad" such an impactful part of our nations history.
July 12, 2012
I started out thinking, well, this is pretty boring, but maybe it will get better. It didn't. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a series of fact about important figures in the last leg of the underground railroad, but it read more like a middle school text book than I was hoping for. What I was hoping for was an interesting read about the incredibly important and interesting people important in the story of the underground railroad which Tobin most certainly didn't provide.
May 6, 2012
On the plus side, Tobin brings to light information on figures and communities long lost in the historic record. On the minus side, the book concentrates on a few exile communities in Canada, with special accent on major figures who had connections there -- the Underground Railroad is actually a barely touched-on subject as a result. And, worse, it's dry as dust.
March 30, 2017
From Midnight to Dawn: The Last Tracks of the Underground Railroad
by Jacqueline L. Tobin
Audio narrated by Richard Allen
3-1/2*
This is a very well-researched and interesting testament of some of the key players involved in the implementation of the Underground Railroad and their impact, following a timeline starting well before the American Civil War and following up through the war and during the Reconstruction period.
Included is the well-known Araminta Ross (Harriet Tubman), whom I always pictured only as an old woman, but we are also given her personal history as a young woman, including her abandonment by her first husband. She was married to John Tubman and was separated from him when she was forced to flee for her own safety. They assume John didn't feel the need to flee with her because he was already a free man. Ain't love grand? By the time she came back to free the rest of her family, he had already remarried. She later married Nelson Davis. Harriet collaborated with abolitionist, John Brown, in planning his fateful raid at Harper's Ferry, which doomed him and many others, but left him a martyr to the cause in many people's eyes. During the Civil War, Harriet served as a nurse, scout and spy for the Union army, crossing rebel lines on many occasions to uncover helpful information.
Another interesting study is of Josiah Henson, the gentleman who inspired the noble character, Tom, in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. He and his family made their way to freedom and prosperity in Canada, and later returned to help another 100 slaves find their way to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Unfortunately, his association with the famed book turned out not to be favorable to his reputation, as the docility and loyalty seen in Tom's character was thereafter more often seen as a sign of stupidity or associated with "selling out", which was not the intention of the author, nor was it anything like the highly intelligent man who inspired the character in Stowe's novel.
The author included a lot of written correspondence, sermons, and newspaper articles, etc., throughout the book which shared what was happening politically and socially, giving us an interesting viewpoint of what the cultural climate was at the time. There was a particularly poignant discussion by a former slave of how it felt as a slave-husband to see his wife and child abused by their owner and mistress. To know that his wife could not be pure for him, could just be "taken" or beaten at the master's whim; or to come back from working in the field to see welts and bruises on his young daughter from beatings received from their mistress, and he as the husband/father not being able to do anything about it. Not to mention not having any control over if or when any of them could be sold, causing a possible permanent separation from each other. If being treated as a possession wasn't horrible enough.
Another avenue of thought that was interesting to me was how much more progressive Canada was even back then. Thirty years before (white) America even had a twinkle in its eye about freeing the slaves, Canada (and all of the British Empire with a few exceptions such as the territories in the possession of the East India Company; all such exceptions were eliminated in 1843) had already declared emancipation for their black citizens, as well as integrating them as equals into schools and society in general. Runaway and freed slaves who made it to Canada found they were welcome to make a new life on their own merits, ingenuity, and hard work.
This book is more informative than entertaining, but it is important because it covers people and events which aren't always talked about. The whole Canada connection was really interesting to me, because any education on my part about this subject was always about only what was going on in America or the more dramatic tales of slave auctions, abusive masters, the process of escape, or the arduous life on the plantations themselves.
by Jacqueline L. Tobin
Audio narrated by Richard Allen
3-1/2*
This is a very well-researched and interesting testament of some of the key players involved in the implementation of the Underground Railroad and their impact, following a timeline starting well before the American Civil War and following up through the war and during the Reconstruction period.
Included is the well-known Araminta Ross (Harriet Tubman), whom I always pictured only as an old woman, but we are also given her personal history as a young woman, including her abandonment by her first husband. She was married to John Tubman and was separated from him when she was forced to flee for her own safety. They assume John didn't feel the need to flee with her because he was already a free man. Ain't love grand? By the time she came back to free the rest of her family, he had already remarried. She later married Nelson Davis. Harriet collaborated with abolitionist, John Brown, in planning his fateful raid at Harper's Ferry, which doomed him and many others, but left him a martyr to the cause in many people's eyes. During the Civil War, Harriet served as a nurse, scout and spy for the Union army, crossing rebel lines on many occasions to uncover helpful information.
Another interesting study is of Josiah Henson, the gentleman who inspired the noble character, Tom, in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. He and his family made their way to freedom and prosperity in Canada, and later returned to help another 100 slaves find their way to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Unfortunately, his association with the famed book turned out not to be favorable to his reputation, as the docility and loyalty seen in Tom's character was thereafter more often seen as a sign of stupidity or associated with "selling out", which was not the intention of the author, nor was it anything like the highly intelligent man who inspired the character in Stowe's novel.
The author included a lot of written correspondence, sermons, and newspaper articles, etc., throughout the book which shared what was happening politically and socially, giving us an interesting viewpoint of what the cultural climate was at the time. There was a particularly poignant discussion by a former slave of how it felt as a slave-husband to see his wife and child abused by their owner and mistress. To know that his wife could not be pure for him, could just be "taken" or beaten at the master's whim; or to come back from working in the field to see welts and bruises on his young daughter from beatings received from their mistress, and he as the husband/father not being able to do anything about it. Not to mention not having any control over if or when any of them could be sold, causing a possible permanent separation from each other. If being treated as a possession wasn't horrible enough.
Another avenue of thought that was interesting to me was how much more progressive Canada was even back then. Thirty years before (white) America even had a twinkle in its eye about freeing the slaves, Canada (and all of the British Empire with a few exceptions such as the territories in the possession of the East India Company; all such exceptions were eliminated in 1843) had already declared emancipation for their black citizens, as well as integrating them as equals into schools and society in general. Runaway and freed slaves who made it to Canada found they were welcome to make a new life on their own merits, ingenuity, and hard work.
This book is more informative than entertaining, but it is important because it covers people and events which aren't always talked about. The whole Canada connection was really interesting to me, because any education on my part about this subject was always about only what was going on in America or the more dramatic tales of slave auctions, abusive masters, the process of escape, or the arduous life on the plantations themselves.
December 3, 2018
This is a worthy topic, but I had trouble staying focused while I was listening (not usually a problem for me).
July 10, 2023
The 2-star rating is only because the book was so dry and didn’t have a way of keeping me invested. The subject matter is still important and I plan to read other books on the Underground Railroad to lead more.
October 14, 2015
This extraordinary narrative offers a fresh perspective on the Underground Railroad as it traces the perilous journeys of fugitive ex–slaves from the United States to free black settlements in Canada.
The Underground Railroad was the passage to freedom for many slaves, but it was rife with dangers. There were dedicated conductors and safe houses, but also arduous nights in the mountains and days in threatening towns. For those who made it to Midnight (the code name given to Detroit), the Detroit River became a River Jordan—and Canada became their land of Canaan, the Promised Land where they could live freely in black settlements under the protection of British law. One of these settlements was known as Dawn.
In prose rich in detail and imagery, From Midnight to Dawn presents compelling portraits of the men and women who established the Railroad, and of the people who traveled it to find new lives in Canada. Some of the figures are well known, like Harriet Tubman and John Brown. But there are equally heroic, less familiar figures here as well, like Mary Ann Shadd, who became the first black female newspaper editor in North America, and Osborne Perry Anderson, the only black survivor of the fighting at Harpers Ferry.
From Midnight to Dawn evokes the turmoil and controversies of the time, reveals the compelling stories behind events such as Harpers Ferry and the Christian Resistance, and introduces the reader to the real–life “Uncle Tom” who influenced Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
An extraordinary examination of a part of American history that transcends national borders, From Midnight to Dawn will captivate readers with its tales of hope, courage, and a people’s determination to live equal under the law.
The Underground Railroad was the passage to freedom for many slaves, but it was rife with dangers. There were dedicated conductors and safe houses, but also arduous nights in the mountains and days in threatening towns. For those who made it to Midnight (the code name given to Detroit), the Detroit River became a River Jordan—and Canada became their land of Canaan, the Promised Land where they could live freely in black settlements under the protection of British law. One of these settlements was known as Dawn.
In prose rich in detail and imagery, From Midnight to Dawn presents compelling portraits of the men and women who established the Railroad, and of the people who traveled it to find new lives in Canada. Some of the figures are well known, like Harriet Tubman and John Brown. But there are equally heroic, less familiar figures here as well, like Mary Ann Shadd, who became the first black female newspaper editor in North America, and Osborne Perry Anderson, the only black survivor of the fighting at Harpers Ferry.
From Midnight to Dawn evokes the turmoil and controversies of the time, reveals the compelling stories behind events such as Harpers Ferry and the Christian Resistance, and introduces the reader to the real–life “Uncle Tom” who influenced Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
An extraordinary examination of a part of American history that transcends national borders, From Midnight to Dawn will captivate readers with its tales of hope, courage, and a people’s determination to live equal under the law.
February 8, 2011
From Midnight to Dawn tells the history of the underground railroad, of the settlements of former slaves in the northern states of the U.S., and even more so those in Canada. It is fairly detailed about the settlements and towns, from their inception to the Reconstruction era.
Of course, I'd already known about the underground railroad, and the likes of Harriet Tubman who risked so much for others. I felt as if the book didn't have much new to offer in that respect. What I did find interesting and informative was the in-depth look at the establishment and growth (or decline) of settlements and towns by slave state refugees.
What I, personally, found most interesting of all, though, was how Tobin pointed out, in several instances, possible links between characters and incidents in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin and real life people and events. I also liked the reminder of the powerful impact that book had on our history. I've always loved that book!
Of course, I'd already known about the underground railroad, and the likes of Harriet Tubman who risked so much for others. I felt as if the book didn't have much new to offer in that respect. What I did find interesting and informative was the in-depth look at the establishment and growth (or decline) of settlements and towns by slave state refugees.
What I, personally, found most interesting of all, though, was how Tobin pointed out, in several instances, possible links between characters and incidents in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin and real life people and events. I also liked the reminder of the powerful impact that book had on our history. I've always loved that book!
March 28, 2025
Abolition, emancipation, the Underground Railroad. Those with an elementary concept of these lights in our moral history would likely associate with them names like John Brown, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Harriet Tubman. For those who care to know more about the host of others involved in these great movements, the establishment of constructive responses to the evil of slavery, and the pre-history of the American Civil War, Tobin's work provides an excellent and finely researched study.
To our understanding of a beachfront against the "Peculiar Institution", From Midnight to Dawn adds the role of Canada, enlightened by the British Empire's 1833 abolition of chattel slavery. To the list of heroes in these movements, the book adds, to name a very few: Rev. Josiah Henson, Henry Bibb, Alexander Milton Ross, William Parker and Mary Ann Shadd. For their part in the betterment of humanity, all those mentioned in Tobin's book deserve to be remembered and honored.
To our understanding of a beachfront against the "Peculiar Institution", From Midnight to Dawn adds the role of Canada, enlightened by the British Empire's 1833 abolition of chattel slavery. To the list of heroes in these movements, the book adds, to name a very few: Rev. Josiah Henson, Henry Bibb, Alexander Milton Ross, William Parker and Mary Ann Shadd. For their part in the betterment of humanity, all those mentioned in Tobin's book deserve to be remembered and honored.
March 13, 2017
Good book to look at the plague of slavery and the way slaves tried to free themself and what they were able to built from nothing.
A little bit difficult to follow if someone doesn't have a general overwiew of American history.
A little bit difficult to follow if someone doesn't have a general overwiew of American history.
July 18, 2014
This book was on a fascinating topic and I was excited to read it. The major characters in the history of the Underground Railroad were included but played a minor role to less famous heroes. Tobin really tried to give the stories of less famous players in African American history especially some of the women who were looked over due to conventions of the time period. Tobin also gave details on the fugitive slave towns started in Canada and the ongoing debate the fugitive slaves had about how much help to accept from white abolitionists. She also gave details on the battle between emigration and colonialism. The topic was very interesting, I just wish it hadn't read so much like a high school history textbook. It was worth reading for the content though.
September 28, 2011
A very well written book! I would recommend it to anyone. The strength and courage of these people-there are no words that I could write that could do them justice. A most extrodinary point in the face of history was that I had no idea, and I don't believe, scare as a mention that the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) visited Buxton on his tour of North America!! To quote Oscar Wilde "The only duty we have to history is to rewrite it"-yes we must rewrite history and accurately write down what did indeed occur and take away the grandiosing of the conqueor's side of events.
December 11, 2016
This book is making me happy as it presents stories of triumph and freedom on the northern border of the U.S. which I had not heard of before, (caveat, this is the first book I have read on the underground railroad). There is much more information on the people creating the railroad than presented in popular culture. The book presents an interesting context for the actions of John Brown also. Bonus evocative description of the time period with elucidation of the naming of the route as a railroad.
April 13, 2016
This book outlines the history of the Underground Railroad with the next to last stop at "Midnight" (the city of Detroit) and its terminus at towns in Canada (one of them named Dawn) -- a wonderfully written and expansive story of a part of history I knew nothing about. A must read for anyone who wants to know more about the Abolitionist movement prior to the Civil War.
Read
June 10, 2008Important book if you are interested in where and what happened to slaves who escaped to the Northern borders of the US and Canada. Often, we don't hear much about this subject and the settlements established.
February 7, 2014
A good overall coverage of the Underground Railroad in the detroit area and into Canada, The overall focus is the lives of those people who went to Canada and the various settlements that popped up as well as how various groups addressed the needs of those who self emancipated
September 7, 2010
About Canada & Detroit's role in the underground railroad with fabulous info. about existing info just across the river
Read
July 25, 2011Excellent and informative history of the Underground Railroad, and the Canadian connection which is often lost in the narrative on the US side of the border.
October 1, 2011
The book was very well written. Each book written about the underground railroad has been fascinating.
Read
February 14, 2015I didnt find this book interesting. didnt finish it
November 8, 2019
This book covers a chapter in history about which I knew almost nothing - the transnational nature of the anti-slavery movement in the 1830s, 40s and 50s. The book is populated with characters who are almost entirely absent from traditional histories. Tobin identifies ways that various black communities in Canada supported themselves through education, work, religious life and continued support of escaping slaves across their southern border. What was most interesting to me about this book was Tobin's contention in the afterword that a significant portion of black America's success during Reconstruction can be connected back to the efforts made by blacks in Canada in the 1840s and 50s to educate their children, some of whom went on to be influential in American Reconstruction. Unfortunately, this argument doesn't appear until the afterword. The book is organized as a series of place sketches and biographies, and while there are ties made between one community and another, there doesn't seem to be much of a larger argument or significance to her exploration of these places.
March 15, 2019
This is an interesting book focusing on the Canadian endpoints of the Underground Railroad, as well as anecdotes and context for the stories of the African Americans who escaped there. Some were enslaved people escaping their chains, but others were free and afraid of the laws and neighbors of their own home locations.
Most stories of the Underground Railroad have historically focused on the sacrifices made by the people helping out, and early books ignored the fact that many of those people were in fact free African Americans, as well as the more open religious groups, like Quakers. This book talks about what happened once escapees reached Canada and began building lives and communities there, but also talks about the trips and the ways in which the Underground Railroad worked. The successes and failures discussed in the book were sometimes slow reading, but always fascinating. Overall, an interesting set of historical stories.
Most stories of the Underground Railroad have historically focused on the sacrifices made by the people helping out, and early books ignored the fact that many of those people were in fact free African Americans, as well as the more open religious groups, like Quakers. This book talks about what happened once escapees reached Canada and began building lives and communities there, but also talks about the trips and the ways in which the Underground Railroad worked. The successes and failures discussed in the book were sometimes slow reading, but always fascinating. Overall, an interesting set of historical stories.
March 23, 2020
Excellent factual read of American history providing a fuller picture of those who worked for the freedom of African Americans. An overall example of the freedom and safety found when one crosses a border. The book showcases the role of community effort when resisting injustice and highlights the difference one with community respect can make for those who are thought to be lesser.
May 3, 2022
The writing is more technical than story and I had a hard time listening to the audiobook narrator. That being said, I give 5 starts to all the new knowledge I learned and I look forward to reading more about the different people and places I learned of in this book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews