The North hosts the United States manufacturing and industrial hubs.  As the war progresses,   Lincoln's generals plot their strategy of attack in a two prong mode:  ships move in and block the ports and roads to prevent the South from being able to resupply and attack.

The south on the other hand doesn't seem to think that they will have any trouble so they don't worry about their ports until it's too late.  And since the south is primarily agriculture the troops begin to suffer for lack of supplies.  The Northern troops are relentless and Lincoln vows to finish "it".

The abolitionists grow bolder and more daring in their efforts to free the slaves.  Raising money, writing newspapers like Frederick Douglass and helping support the war and those brave individuals who are running the Underground Railroad.
 
 
 

Before you can go any further in your mission you will need to know about the Underground Railroad, so check out these sites.

http://afgen.com/underground_railroad.html
This site will tell you about how the UGRR was organized and operated

http://www.nyjournalnews.com/blackhistory/main.html
A brief overview of the history of the Underground Railroad

http://www.vermonthistory.org/educate/timeline.htm
A timeline of the Underground Railroad
 

Now that you know something about the area, the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, it's time to decide where can you be of the most help.  Which task you will choose?  If you become a Host  or stationmaster,  you will be someone who shelters and feeds the slaves as they pass through your area.  If you become a Conductor - (someone like Harriett) who escorts the slaves along the route you will choose a route and lead them to safety.

Either job can be hazardous.  Remember the 1850 Fugitive Freedom Act has gone into effect.  You and Jesse will be breaking the law.