How Traveling by Train Led Me to Learn About My Family's Black History

The Seed of Curiosity Planted on the Tracks

The idea of traveling by train came about almost by accident. I was craving a change of scenery, a break from the digital hum of my daily life. Flying felt impersonal, detached. Driving felt tedious. But the thought of the rhythmic clickety-clack of the train wheels, the sprawling views, the sense of slowing down, appealed to a deep-seated yearning for connection. I booked a one-way ticket from Chicago to New Orleans, a route that traced a line through the heart of the South, a region steeped in both beauty and profound struggle. I was hoping to find myself along the way; I had no idea I'd find my family as well.

Discovering Railroad Roots

It started subtly. Passing through towns with faded brick stations, I noticed plaques commemorating the railroad workers who had built and maintained the lines. A casual conversation with a fellow passenger, a retired history professor, sparked my curiosity. He mentioned the disproportionately high number of African American men who worked on the railroads, often in grueling and dangerous conditions. He pointed to a historical marker visible from the train window, detailing the contributions of Black porters and cooks. It was then that a memory surfaced – my grandmother recounting stories of her own father, a man she rarely spoke about, who had toiled on the rails. The professor’s insights gave me a new lens to view my family’s untold stories. He explained the historical context that shaped their lives: limited opportunities, racial discrimination, and yet, resilience and determination to provide for their families.

Unearthing Stories Through Research

Fueled by this newfound spark, I used the train’s Wi-Fi (sporadic as it was) to begin researching. I delved into online archives, searching census records, historical society databases, and newspaper articles. I looked for mentions of my family name, focusing on the areas the train was passing through. Slowly, pieces began to emerge. I found a record of my great-grandfather working as a brakeman, a dangerous job involving manually operating the brakes on train cars. I learned about the Pullman porters, African American men who served as attendants on luxury sleeper cars. These men, despite facing discrimination, were often well-educated and became pillars of their communities, providing crucial economic and social support.

Connecting with Relatives Along the Way

The train offered another unexpected opportunity – time for introspection and reflection. I called my grandmother, whom I hadn't spoken to in depth about her father in years. This time, she opened up, sharing details she had previously kept hidden. She talked about the hardships he faced, the prejudice he endured, but also about his quiet dignity and unwavering work ethic. She mentioned a town he had lived in, a place the train was scheduled to stop at the next day. On a whim, I decided to get off the train and explore. I visited the local library, scoured old phone books, and, incredibly, found a distant cousin still living in the area. This cousin shared family photos and stories, filling in gaps in my knowledge and bringing my family’s past to life in a way I had never imagined.

The Impact of the Journey

This train trip was more than just a vacation; it was a journey of self-discovery and a profound connection to my family's Black history. It taught me the importance of asking questions, of digging beneath the surface, and of appreciating the sacrifices made by those who came before me. The experience has instilled in me a deeper sense of pride in my heritage and a commitment to preserving these stories for future generations. The rhythmic chugging of the train became a soundtrack to my own personal excavation, revealing truths that had been hidden for far too long. Now, I understand that this journey of discovery is not just a personal endeavor, it’s a shared mission for many African American families seeking to reconnect with their roots.

The following table summarizes my key findings and how my perspective shifted throughout the journey:

The train trip may have been a physical journey, but it unlocked a much more important internal expedition. I am now more driven to explore my family tree. The journey continues, and I am excited about the future.