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Freedom Seeker: Frederick Douglass

An engraved image of an African-American man on the run.

Library of Congress

In 1838, Frederick Douglass escaped from Maryland to New York disguised as a sailor. He wore a red shirt, a tarpaulin hat, and a loosely tied black scarf around his neck. To complete his disguise he also carried with him papers that said he was free.

Last updated: September 3, 2020