Get in where you fit in, I guess....

Let's see how far I can get.

The NPS stands by their definition.

Their definition goes broad from what most 'laypersons' consider as the Underground Railroad; a network which those escaping slavery were aware of and came to depend upon.

If slave 1 was aware of this, he may try to avail him/herself of this network in order to gain freedom.

If slave 2 simply decided to break from the tyranny of slavery, totally on their own, and find themself in Nova Scotia, Philadelphia, Cuba or some place beyond the reach of the paddy rollers, does their stops along the way automatically constitute posts along the Underground Railroad?

My thinking is that slave 1 encountered a designated support system along the way called the Underground Road/Railroad.

Slave 2 got lucky AND DIDN'T GET CAUGHT in his/her escape from tyranny. They weren't necessarily a part of a network or, by another name, the Underground Railroad.
So why would stop points along this person's journey be necessarily a part of the Underground Railroad?

Change the definition or get rid of the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD moniker, chase after funding under the ageis of 'FREEDOM SEEKERS' and let the Underground Railroad historians, reseachers, et al go about the business of bringing all things relevant to the prescribe notion of the Underground Railroad to light.

Stop crying for funds if you are not going to be faithful to the original concept of the Underground Railroad. I bring up the issue of the Seminole Negro Indian cemetery.
BTW, a cemetery doesn't necessarily conjure up an image of a railroad or movement.

Is that something you brought up when you were first soliciting funds (tax payer dollars)? And were the Underground Railroad historians and researchers recognized and consulted on this?

If I were to write my representatives on your behalf, I'd want to be clear about your mission and focus.

Diane Miller, talk to us.

Peace
"Guided by the Ancestors"