Communication and secrecy were key to the successful operation of the Underground Railroad. Safety was more important than quickness. Both fugitive slaves and members of the Underground Railroad learned to code and decode hidden messages, and to disguise signs to avoid capture. There were code names for towns on the routes and code numbers for […]

Popular voting is touted as a cornerstone of US governance. Since the nation’s beginning, voting rights issues have shaped America’s democratic processes. Ceaseless controversies have reflected an ongoing struggle over who should vote, and how, when, and where voters should vote. The presidential election cycle has tended to magnify controversies every four years over expanding […]

The Colorado, the Gila, the Salt, the Verde, the Hassayampa, the Santa Cruz: Arizona’s rivers were lush green ribbons of life flowing through a desert landscape. They became sustaining paths for indigenous traders and immigrants leaving wagon tracks and settlements. The Hohokam built vast canals from the Salt to direct irrigation water for crops. European […]