Video - Disguise to Freedom: The Daring Escape of William and Ellen Craft
Did you know that one of the most daring escapes in American history involved a disguise? In 1848, William and Ellen Craft, an enslaved couple from Georgia, pulled off an incredible feat of ingenuity and bravery. Ellen, who was light-skinned, disguised herself as a white male plantation owner, and William posed as her loyal servant. To make the ruse even more convincing, Ellen bound her arm in a sling to avoid having to write, which she couldn't do well. They traveled openly by train and steamboat, passing through multiple slave states, all while hiding in plain sight. Their journey took them over 1,000 miles to freedom in the North. Talk about a gutsy getaway! The Crafts' story became a sensation and they used their newfound freedom to become prominent abolitionists, speaking out against the horrors of slavery. So, next time you think you've had a rough commute, remember the Crafts and their incredible journey. Have you heard of any other daring escape stories? Let us know in the comments!