Henry “Box” Brown
Determined to escape the oppression of slavery, African-American slave Brown made one of the innovative and daring escapes in history when he decided to ship himself to freedom in a wooden box. His plan was to have himself shipped as cargo from Virginia to Philadelphia, where slavery had been abolished. Contacting a carpenter to construct the box which had three small holes to help him breathe, on March 23, 1849, Brown began that dangerous journey. He climbed into the box, carrying with him some water and a few crackers. His acquaintances nailed the box and labeled it “dry goods” and indicated ‘this side up’ to ensure Brown is in the upright position. After 27 hours, the box arrived at the headquarters of the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society after a harrowing experience. Brown would later become known as Henry “Box” Brown.
