Nia 1

Enslaved people in America used the stars, particularly Polaris and the Big Dipper, to find their way to freedom before the Civil War. African American folk songs and narratives mention the stars as important guides. Harriet Tubman also used the North Star to help free other enslaved individuals. Before the Civil War, enslaved people in America relied on the stars to guide them to a better freedom. Specifically, they used Polaris and the drinking gourd, known as the Big Dipper Constellation, to navigate towards the northern states. Many African American folk songs and enslaved narratives reference the star because of the crucial role in guiding enslaved people away from enslavement. Even Harriet Tubman used her knowledge of the North Star to liberate other enslaved people.