Where did most of the slaves flee to?

The question of the destination for escaped slaves depends on the time period. During the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, the British offered freedom to the slaves if they fought for the British.  The British recruited escaped slaves and sometimes freed them from the plantations in an effort to hurt the morale of the Americans and to disrupt the economy.  For the most part, however, slaves escaped to the northern free states while...

The question of the destination for escaped slaves depends on the time period. During the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, the British offered freedom to the slaves if they fought for the British.  The British recruited escaped slaves and sometimes freed them from the plantations in an effort to hurt the morale of the Americans and to disrupt the economy.  For the most part, however, slaves escaped to the northern free states while many escaped into Canada. This was made possible by an elaborate system of safe houses and routes that became known as the Underground Railroad.  Slaves would travel along established paths, usually along waterways at night.  They would stay at safe houses and sleep during the day.  The safe houses usually had secret basements or rooms to house the fugitive slaves.  The entire process of escape was very dangerous for the slave and those that were aiding the slaves.