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I was Born
On a brisk February morning I was born to Victoria and Harry Bridgetower. The name given to me was Elizebeth Bridgetower. We lived in a large house. Our home was much larger than any in the area. On the same day I was born, another baby, a boy, was born across town. This boy’s family owned many properties in this area, including the homes on both sides of our home. -
Leaving Britain
I wake up at dawn and grab five of my favorite silk dresses, a picture of my family, and enough pounds to last me for months in America. I decided to go to America to escape my arranged marriage as well as the live of privilege which I no longer desire. I had always wanted to work for what I had, but mother said working was filthy. In America I thought I knew there were many job opportunities and I might be able to meet a nice man there and settle down on a solid piece of land. -
Arriving at Ellis Island
I finally arrive at Ellis Island where I go through a serries of steps. They give me many brain tests which are easy to me becasue of my education back at home. In my legal inspection they say that everything is in order with only a few questions asked. Because of the speedy inspections I only spend a total of two days at Ellis Island. -
I am Told of My Arranged Marriage
Today mother announces I am to marry a boy the same age as me and we are to be married in a month. I have only met the boy once. Mother never tells me this to my face, but I know all this marriage means to her is keeping our estate. Henry Porter is a business man who was been buying up all the land he can get his hands on. He threatened to take our estate from us. He finally agreed to a compromise. If I marry his son then we may keep our estate. This was not the life I wanted. -
I Get a Job
I quickly get a job in a local factory and find housing in a tenement. The hours are long and the pay is low, but I appriciate the oppurtunities I have been given. In my place of work I meet a man who has a strong build and says as soon as he works up enough money to buy his supplies, he is going to move west. I think his idea is a good one and I start to share his dream. -
We Move West
I began talking with the factory man most every day until today he told me he finally had the money and supplies to move west and he asked me if I wanted to accompany him. Because I knew him to be a noble man I accepted. If I was ever to get that land I wanted in the west then I would need an escort. I thanked him gratefully and he said we would depart tomorrow at noon with a group of other settlers he had been met a week ago. -
Out of Supplies
It doesn't take long on our journey until we realize the food David, the factory man, supplied was not enough. We had scant amounts to eat every day. Our second horse ran away in the first week so we had to share a horse, which was unpleasant. The trip was taking longer than I had hoped. David and I are getting very short with each other and we may even be lost. -
Chinese Exclusion Act/Rail Road
Once we were halfway across the United States, David got a job on a rail road. Many jobs were open there due to a violent act of racism against the Chinese in the parts we were in. The Chinese Exclusion Act was a reason that the racism broke out. Many of the previous workers were now dead so they hired David. He worked long hours but always came back smiling talking about how great of a melting pot America has come to be. I wanted to work alongside him but they refused me due to my gender. -
A Place to Call Home
David finally earned more than enough money to sustain us through the rest of our trip to Washington. Once we get there we find a cheap area of land. Then three days later David asks me to marry him. We build a log cabin there with wood from his railroad earnings. Finally David and I are able to relax and bask in the wonderful place that gave us back our freedom. We call that place America.
