William Craft Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom
Introduction
William Craft was an enslaved African American who escaped to freedom in 1848 by running a thousand miles with his wife, Ellen Craft. They were both enslaved in Georgia and devised a daring plan to disguise themselves as a white man and a black male servant. Their journey to freedom was filled with dangers and obstacles, but they managed to reach Philadelphia after a month-long journey.
The Life of William Craft
William was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1824, and was enslaved from birth. He worked as a carpenter and was hired out to different masters. He met Ellen, who was also enslaved, and they fell in love. However, they knew that their love was forbidden and that they could be separated at any time.
The Escape Plan
William and Ellen knew that they had to escape to a free state to be together and raise a family. They devised a plan to disguise themselves as a white man and a black male servant. Ellen cut her hair short, wore men's clothing, and put on a bandage to make it look like she had a broken arm. William posed as her servant and acted as if he was in charge of taking care of her.
The Journey to Freedom
Their journey began on December 21, 1848, when they boarded a train in Macon, Georgia, bound for Savannah. They traveled to Savannah, then took a steamship to Charleston, South Carolina. They then boarded a train to Wilmington, North Carolina, and finally arrived in Richmond, Virginia. At each stop, they had to be careful not to arouse suspicion and maintain their disguise.
They traveled to Philadelphia, where they arrived on Christmas Day. They were welcomed by abolitionists who helped them settle in and start a new life. Their journey to freedom was a remarkable feat, and they became famous for their daring escape.
Life After Freedom
William and Ellen settled in Boston, where they raised five children and became active in the abolitionist movement. They traveled to England, where they gave lectures about their escape and the plight of enslaved people in the United States. They also wrote a book, Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom, which was published in 1860.
Legacy
William and Ellen Craft's daring escape and their work in the abolitionist movement helped to bring attention to the evils of slavery and the importance of freedom. Their story inspired many others to escape from slavery and fight for their rights. They will always be remembered as heroes who risked everything to gain their freedom.
Conclusion
William Craft's story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of courage and determination. He and Ellen's escape to freedom will always be remembered as a remarkable feat of bravery and ingenuity. Their legacy lives on, and their story continues to inspire many people to fight for their rights and freedom.