Henry Brown was an enslaved African American man in the 19th century who escaped slavery by mailing himself in a box from Virginia to Pennsylvania. He worked with abolitionists who helped plan his escape, putting him in a small box and addressing it to a contact in Philadelphia. The box was transported by rail and ship. When it arrived, Brown emerged, having gained his freedom after enduring over 27 hours in the cramped box in his daring bid to reach the free state of Pennsylvania and escape slavery.

1. Henry’s Freedom Box
Reading Comprehension
Questions

2. 1. Which word would best
describe Henry Brown?
a. lazy
b. joyful
c. intelligent
d. determined

3. 2. Henry didn’t know….
a. his real name
b. his birthdays
c. his family
d. how to work

4. 3. Why did Nancy‘s master
sell her and the children?
a. He was mad at Henry.
b. He didn’t like Henry.
c. He lost a lot of money.
d. He didn’t like children.

5. 4. Why did Dr. Smith help
Henry?
a. He liked Henry.
b. He wanted to break the law.
c. He thought it was fun.
d. He thought slavery was wrong.

6. 5. Henry and his wife were
allowed to live together even
though they had different...
a. maters.
b. jobs.
c. hobbies.
d. beliefs.

7. 6. Why did Henry hurt
his hand?
a. He wanted an excuse to stay home
from work.
b. He wanted to see the doctor again.
c. He got in a fight.
d. It was an accident.

8. 7. Where did Henry ship his
box?
a. Philadelphia
b. San Diego
c. New York City
d. Chicago.

9. 8. Where did James and Dr.
Smith take Henry after they
put him in the box?
a. the airport
b. a police station
c. a railroad
d. a shipyard

10. 9. How did the railroad
workers handle Henry's box
that said "with care"?
a. They threw the box around
and even had him upside down
for hours.
b. They were always gentle with it.

11. 10. Henry decided his birthday
was on what day?
a. The day he saw a free bird flying.
b. The day his family was sold.
c. The day he met his wife.
d. The day he arrived in Philadelphia
and got out of his box.

12. The End