
A determined couple from Georgia, William and Ellen Craft, face the brutal reality of slavery, yet their love and resolve push them toward an impossible dream of freedom. Ellen’s strikingly light complexion and William’s physical strength create a unique partnership that fuels their daring plan. Their story begins with a restless yearning for the rights promised in the nation's founding ideals.
In a bold, meticulously crafted scheme, Ellen disguises herself as a white male planter while William assumes the role of her servant, setting the stage for a perilous journey northward. As they board a coach and later a steamboat, every mile tests their courage, demanding quick wits and unshakable trust. The tension of passing unsuspecting eyes and the constant threat of capture keep listeners on edge from the very first mile.
Beyond the suspenseful escape, the narrative offers a vivid glimpse into the era’s harsh injustices and the extraordinary lengths people will go to claim their humanity. Listeners are invited to share in a moving testament of resilience, ingenuity, and the unyielding pursuit of liberty.
Full title
Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom Or, The Escape of William and Ellen Craft from Slavery
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (138K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
1996-07-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1826–1891
Best known for a daring escape from slavery, this remarkable 19th-century freedom seeker later became a writer, lecturer, and educator. Her life story still stands out for its courage, ingenuity, and quiet determination.
View all books
d. 1900
Best known for a daring escape from slavery, this American abolitionist later helped tell that story in print and worked for Black freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. His life connects personal courage with the wider fight against slavery in the 19th century.
View all books