Henry Brown, also known as Henry "Box" Brown, was an African American inventor and abolitionist who lived in the 19th century. He is best known for his daring escape from slavery by mailing himself in a wooden crate from Virginia to Philadelphia in 1849.
Brown was born enslaved in Louisa County, Virginia, around 1815. After his wife and children were sold to a different slave owner, he resolved to escape to freedom. With the help of abolitionists, including James Miller McKim and members of the Underground Railroad, Brown devised a plan to ship himself to a free state.
On March 23, 1849, Brown successfully traveled by rail and ship in a wooden crate labeled "dry goods" to reach Philadelphia. His journey, lasting about 27 hours, covered a distance of nearly 350 miles. Upon his arrival, Brown became a symbol of the abolitionist movement, and his story garnered widespread attention.
After gaining his freedom, Brown became a prominent abolitionist speaker, using his experiences to advocate for the end of slavery. He also collaborated with other activists to support the Underground Railroad and assist enslaved individuals in their escape to freedom.
Henry "Box" Brown's courageous escape and subsequent activism serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of enslaved individuals in their quest for freedom.
Check out the book "Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad" in the link below!
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