This documentary offers an in-depth study of how the underground railroad worked and documentation of its presence on the waterways of Western New York.

The story touches upon the following points:

The political, economical, historical and geographical elements that drew fugitive slave activity to the Great Lakes and the Erie Canal, including the commercial slip which connected the canal with the Buffalo’s Inner Harbor.

Documented locations and fugitive slave cases on the Erie Canal and Buffalo waterfront, and the difficulty inherent in documenting sites believed to have been Underground Railroad stations, such as Dug's Dive in the Union Block, a building on the commercial slip whose foundation is being excavated.

The hardship on fugitive slaves as well as the people helping them on their journey. The penalties to all involved are documented.

The importance of preserving this part of our history for both educational and economic purposes.