Henry "Box" Brown was an enslaved man who escaped to freedom by arranging to have himself shipped in a wooden crate from Richmond, Virginia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1849. The crate was 3 feet long, 2 feet 8 inches deep, and 2 feet wide, and had just a few small holes for air. Brown endured a harrowing 27-hour journey in the box, facing the risk of suffocation, dehydration, or discovery by slave catchers.

Despite the dangers, Brown successfully arrived in Philadelphia, where he gained his freedom and became a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement. He went on to travel throughout the United States and Britain, sharing his story and advocating for the abolition of slavery.

Henry "Box" Brown's daring escape and public advocacy helped to raise awareness about the cruelty of slavery and the resilience of enslaved individuals who sought freedom. His story remains a powerful reminder of the courage and ingenuity displayed by Black people in the face of oppression.