34 Facts About Ellen And William Craft

Ellen and William Craft: A Daring Escape

Ellen and William Craft were an extraordinary couple who risked everything for freedom. Their story is one of courage, ingenuity, and determination. Here are some fascinating facts about their incredible journey.

1. Ellen Craft was born in 1826 in Clinton, Georgia, to a biracial enslaved woman and her white enslaver.

2. William Craft was born in 1824 in Macon, Georgia, and was separated from his family at a young age when they were sold to different enslavers.

3. Ellen and William met and married while enslaved in Macon, Georgia.

4. Ellen's light skin allowed her to pass as a white person, which played a crucial role in their escape plan.

The Ingenious Disguise

Their escape plan was nothing short of brilliant. Ellen disguised herself as a wealthy white man, while William posed as her enslaved servant.

5. Ellen cut her hair short and dressed in men's clothing to complete her disguise.

6. To avoid suspicion, Ellen pretended to be ill and wore her arm in a sling, so she wouldn't have to sign any documents.

7. They traveled by train and steamboat, using first-class accommodations to avoid scrutiny.

8. The Crafts' journey took them from Macon, Georgia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, over the course of four days.

Challenges and Close Calls

Their escape was fraught with danger and close calls. They had to navigate a society that was constantly on the lookout for runaway enslaved people.

9. At one point, a ticket agent questioned Ellen's disguise, but William's quick thinking saved them.

10. Ellen's inability to read or write almost exposed them when she was asked to sign a hotel register.

11. They narrowly avoided capture several times, including a close call with a suspicious passenger on a steamboat.

12. Despite the constant threat of being discovered, the Crafts remained calm and focused on their goal.

Life in the North

Once they reached the North, the Crafts began to build a new life. However, their challenges were far from over.

13. They arrived in Philadelphia on Christmas Day in 1848.

14. The Crafts were welcomed by the abolitionist community, who helped them find work and housing.

15. Ellen and William became active in the abolitionist movement, sharing their story to raise awareness about the horrors of slavery.

16. They settled in Boston, Massachusetts, where they continued their activism.

The Fugitive Slave Act and Its Impact

The passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 posed a new threat to the Crafts' freedom.

17. The Fugitive Slave Act allowed enslavers to capture escaped enslaved people even in free states.

18. Ellen and William were targeted by bounty hunters seeking to return them to slavery.

19. The Crafts were forced to flee to England to avoid capture.

20. They lived in England for nearly two decades, where they continued their abolitionist work.

Life in England

In England, the Crafts found a measure of safety and continued their fight against slavery.

21. They settled in Hammersmith, London, where they were supported by the British abolitionist community.

22. Ellen and William had five children while living in England.

23. They published their autobiography, "Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom," in 1860.

24. The Crafts' story gained international attention, furthering the cause of abolition.

Return to the United States

After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, the Crafts returned to the United States.

25. They settled in Savannah, Georgia, where they established a school for freed African Americans.

26. Ellen and William continued their activism, advocating for the rights of African Americans during Reconstruction.

27. They faced significant challenges, including racial violence and economic hardship.

28. Despite these obstacles, the Crafts remained committed to their mission of education and equality.

Legacy and Recognition

The legacy of Ellen and William Craft continues to inspire generations.

29. Their story is a testament to the power of courage and determination in the face of oppression.

30. The Crafts' autobiography remains an important historical document, providing insight into the experiences of escaped enslaved people.

31. Ellen and William's descendants have continued to honor their legacy through various means, including public speaking and historical preservation.

32. The Crafts' story has been featured in numerous books, documentaries, and academic studies.

33. In 1999, the Georgia Historical Society erected a historical marker in Macon, Georgia, to commemorate their escape.

34. Ellen and William Craft's incredible journey serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for freedom and justice.

The Craft Legacy

Ellen and William Craft's daring escape from slavery stands as a powerful testament to human courage and ingenuity. Their story, filled with bravery, determination, and clever disguises, continues to inspire. By posing as a white male planter and his servant, they outwitted the oppressive system that sought to keep them in chains. Their journey didn't end with their escape; they became prominent abolitionists, sharing their story to fuel the fight against slavery.

Their legacy reminds us of the importance of freedom and equality. It also highlights the lengths people will go to achieve these ideals. Ellen and William Craft's story isn't just a historical account; it's a beacon of hope and resilience. Their lives encourage us to stand up against injustice and strive for a world where everyone can live free.