Students in Eddra Phillips' literacy and social studies classes at Clinton Primary School explored the concept of the "Underground Railroad" and how it was operated to move escaped slaves from the South to Canada during the era of pre-Civil War slavery in America. Part of the operation of the system of safe houses and escape routes for runaway slaves included the use of "freedom quilts" which were decorated with coded symbols and hung on clothes lines to direct slaves to safety. Phyllis Hamilton, who teaches at the University of Arkansas - Hope campus, brought a sample of a "freedom quilt" to illustrate how they were used. -- Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools
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