America's First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights - Paperback >
/ America's First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights - Paperback

America's First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights - Paperback

Regular price$18.95
/
(Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.)
✔ Authenticity Guaranteed — Verified Designer Goods
✔ 100% Money-Back Guarantee on Eligible Items
✔ Prices Displayed in Your Local Currency
✔ Final Price = No Surprise Import Fees
✔ Complimentary Insured Worldwide Shipping on Qualifying Orders
✔ Select Collector & Specialty Pieces May Require Secured Delivery Handling
Our authentication process ensures every item meets strict luxury verification standards. Learn more
Complimentary worldwide shipping on qualifying orders

by Jerry Mikorenda (Author)

It is the history of America at its most despicable and most exhilarating. Yet few historians know of Elizabeth Jennings or the impact she had on desegregating public transit.

In 1854, traveling was full of danger. Omnibus accidents were commonplace. Pedestrians were regularly attacked by the Five Points' gangs. Rival police forces watched and argued over who should help. Pickpockets, drunks and kidnappers were all part of the daily street scene in old New York. Yet somehow, they endured and transformed a trading post into the Empire City.

None of this was on Elizabeth Jennings's mind as she climbed the platform onto the Chatham Street horsecar. But her destination and that of the country took a sudden turn when the conductor told her to wait for the next car because it had "her people" in it. When she refused to step off the bus, she was assaulted by the conductor who was aided by a NY police officer. On February 22, 1855, Elizabeth Jennings v. Third Avenue Rail Road case was settled. Seeking $500 in damages, the jury stunned the courtroom with a $250 verdict in Lizzie's favor. Future US president Chester A. Arthur was Jennings attorney and their lives would be forever onward intertwined.

This is the story of what happened that day. It's also the story of Jennings and Arthur's families, the struggle for equality, and race relations. It's the history of America at its most despicable and most exhilarating. Yet few historians know of Elizabeth Jennings or the impact she had on desegregating public transit.

Author Biography

Jerry Mikorenda's articles and op-eds have appeared in The New York Times, Newsday, The Boston Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, and Wall Street Journal as well as various other magazines. He is also a graduate of the Master's Program at Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School. A member of SCBWI and BIO (Biographers International Organization), his history profiles are included in the 2010 Encyclopedia of New York City and on the Gotham Center's History Blog. He lives in Northport, NY.

Number of Pages: 256
Dimensions: 1 x 8.4 x 5.8 IN
Illustrated: Yes
Publication Date: November 01, 2022
  • In stock, ready to ship
  • Backordered, shipping soon
Shop with Confidence
  • ✔ Authenticity Guaranteed — Verified Designer Goods
  • ✔ Sourced from Authorized European/U.S. Luxury Distributors
  • ✔ Secure Checkout — SSL Encrypted Payments
  • ✔ Fast Global Delivery — 3–11 Business Days
  • ✔ Easy Returns on Eligible Items
  • ✔ 100% Money-Back Guarantee — Full Refund if Not Satisfied
Verified Trust Rating: 91/100
Amazon American Express Apple Pay Bancontact Diners Club Discover Google Pay Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay USDC Visa SSL Secure
Amazon Pay Logo Fast checkout with Amazon Pay. Use your Amazon account to skip entering shipping or card info.
Trusted by discerning buyers worldwide — secure, verified luxury sourcing

AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

Reserved for you — complete your purchase to secure this piece.

Authorized Designer Inventory Secure & Encrypted Checkout Tracked & Insured Delivery

OFFICIALLY AUTHORIZED RESELLER

Discover Officially Authorized Authentic Items at STORE7994.com - Certificates Available on Request!

Independently verified for store quality and customer safety.
Trust score: 91/100

All designer items offered by STORE 7994 are sourced from trusted luxury distributors and verified through independent authentication services.

Learn how STORE 7994 authenticates luxury items

Guaranteed Authentic — Includes Brand Documentation & Third-Party Verification Options.

Shipping information

  • Free Shipping* on all orders over $300 USD to most countries* Estimated delivery: 2-5 business days Mon-Sat to U.S., CA, EU etc.
  • Tracking available: DHL Express
  • Store 7994 Shipping policy
  • Global delivery in 3–9 business days (location dependent).
  • Free Worldwide Shipping $300+. International duties & VAT are calculated by destination country and may be collected upon delivery. UK orders are subject to 20% import VAT upon delivery.

Our innovation isn’t just in the brands we carry — it’s in the way we connect them. From our automation engine that keeps collections globally updated to our commitment to authenticity-first presentation, STORE 7994 exists where timeless design meets modern precision.

Every product we offer is:
Elevated · Intentional · Exclusive · Authentic

STORE 7994 is an authorized reseller of luxury fashion houses. Certificates and proof of authenticity are available to brand owners and partners upon request.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Returns & Refunds

We want you to shop with confidence at STORE 7994. If your purchase does not meet expectations, eligible items may be returned under the conditions below.

Return Eligibility
Items must be unused, unworn, and in original condition with all tags, packaging, and accessories included. Items showing any signs of wear or damage will not be accepted.

Return Window
Return requests must be made within 14 days of delivery.

Return Shipping
Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective, damaged, or incorrect.

Luxury Items
Items valued over $1,000 may be subject to a 7% restocking fee upon approved return.

Non-Returnable Items
For hygiene and product integrity reasons, the following items are final sale once opened or used:

• Underwear
• Fragrances
• Any worn or used items

Made-to-Order Items
Custom-designed products, including STORE 7994 hoodies, are made exclusively for each customer and are final sale. These items are not eligible for return or exchange unless defective or incorrect.

If you receive a defective or incorrect item, please contact us and we will make it right.

International Shipping & Duties
Many of our products ship directly from trusted international partners. Any applicable customs duties or import taxes are calculated at checkout and are non-refundable, even if the item is returned.

Returns & Associated Fees
All approved returns are subject to a $24 return processing fee. For international orders, duties, taxes, and return fees will be deducted from the original payment.

Shipping Policy
Complimentary shipping is offered on orders over $300. Orders below this threshold are subject to standard shipping rates at checkout.