At the time of her death, “Mother” Baltimore was well known on both sides of the Mississippi river.  Winning white allies in St. Louis, Baltimore was a trusted nursemaid to prominent families, ferry operator, river trader and most importantly, a fearless fighter for freedom.

Long before the Civil War, Baltimore used her guile and an unshakable faith to secretly ferry dozens of runaway slaves and their families to Illinois.

Watch this fascinating web exclusive to hear the full story of the legendary woman known as “Mother Baltimore.”