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Henry "Box" Brown

In an effort to escape the horrors of slavery, one man mailed himself to freedom.

Richmond, Virginia

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Brendan
Henry "Box" Brown   shullbrendand (Atlas Obscura User)
Engraving in the sidewalk in front of the box.   blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Reproduction of Henry Brown's box.   blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Henry "Box" Brown   shullbrendand (Atlas Obscura User)
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Henry "Box" Brown was an abolitionist born into slavery during the early 19th century. After his wife and children were sold away to a North Carolina plantation in 1848, Brown sought to free himself from his bondage.

Armed with only some water and a manual drill, he squeezed into a three-foot-long, two-foot-tall shipping box with only three air holes. He endured a 27-hour trip via wagon and steamer until he arrived safely in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania. Brown would go on to travel throughout New England to speak of the evils of enslavement. 

Along the Richmond Canal walk rests a steel reproduction of Henry's box, memorializing the stories of those who sought freedom from Richmond's slavery. 

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Memorials History & Culture Black History

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shullbrendand

Published

June 21, 2023

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