Henry Box Brown's Escape and Legacy

Henry Box Brown, born into slavery, famously escaped by shipping himself in a box from Virginia to Philadelphia. His story, detailed in his autobiography, highlights his early life, family separation, and the daring escape plan involving Samuel Smith. After his escape, Brown became a public figure, sharing his story to inspire others. Despite criticism for not freeing his family, he continued to perform and advocate for abolition. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage and ingenuity in the fight against slavery.

Where was Henry Box Brown born?

• Louisa County, Virginia

• Boston, Massachusetts

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Richmond, Virginia

What skill did Henry learn from a fellow slave known as Tricky Sam?

• Carpentry

• Sleight of hand

• Singing

• Cooking

What drastic measure did Henry take to avoid work on the day of his escape?

• Pretended to be sick

• Burned his hand with sulfuric acid

• Faked an injury

• Bribed his overseer

How did Henry Box Brown travel to freedom?

• In a carriage

• In a wooden box

• On horseback

• By foot

What was the reaction of abolitionists like Frederick Douglass to Henry's public sharing of his escape story?

• They encouraged more public stories

• They wanted it kept secret

• They were indifferent

• They fully supported it

What was the Fugitive Slave Act also known as?

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• The Freedom Act

• The Bloodhound Bill

• The Liberty Law

What was the purpose of the moving panorama Henry worked on?

• To entertain children

• To depict the beauty of nature

• To showcase technological advancements

• To illustrate the horrors of slavery

Why did Henry Box Brown leave the abolitionist scene?

• He lost interest

• He was criticized for not freeing his family

• He moved to Canada

• He was captured

In which year did Henry Box Brown pass away?

• 1901

• 1875

• 1850

• 1897

What profession did Henry Box Brown take up in his later years?

• Politician

• Carpenter

• Teacher

• Magician