Many slaves attempted to run away but were killed in the process. Every year, 100,000 slaves run away. Underground Railroad (network of safe houses) helped the fugitives travel north being sheltered by house to house until their arrival to Canada. Slaves purposely sabotaged their owner’s possessions. The slave trade was abolished in DC. 1852: Uncle Tom’s Cabin was a book published that painted the life of slaves. Harriet Tubman, was the most famous Underground Railroad conductor. She escaped from Maryland in 1849, and risked her freedom by returning from Canada 19 times to rescue about 300 slaves, including her parents.