A prominent figure in the abolitionist movement, Jacobs’ account is memorable among many readers. Her autobiography, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, discusses the hardships of Jacobs’ life as a slave along with the unspeakable struggles unique to enslaved women, particularly the sexual harassment she faced against her master, Dr. Norcom. At the time, speaking about sexual abuse facing many enslaved women made many people feel uncomfortable, However, Jacobs’ book opened the dialogue, and was the first to reveal this hard fact. Jacobs felt it was necessary to discuss these things to help spread the horrors of slavery and push for its abolishment. Her book showed thousands of people what enslaved women had to endure, in that “[s]lavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women.”

The book also revealed how her escape perfectly represents how marronage was different for women. Before heading North, Jacobs felt the best place for refuge was with her grandmother, a free woman who lived a block away from Dr. Norcom. For almost seven years, Jacobs lived in a small garret above her grandmother’s shed and endured excruciating conditions to survive. She was exposed to the elements, sustained cramped conditions that prevented her from standing or moving freely in the small space, and separated herself from her children to protect herself and their futures. While her children desperately wanted to be near their mother, she remained silent and watched them through a peep hole she drilled in the attic. Escape meant sacrifice, and Jacobs suffered a lot before she felt conditions were right to head North.

But how is her escape an example of marronage? She chose to escape near her children to ensure their well-being and safety while also manipulating her owner into thinking she successfully escaped to the North. Her escape was not isolated – numerous individuals and family members helped hide Jacobs in plain sight, right under her master’s nose. In this light, marronage doesn’t necessarily have to mean a physical distance from enslavement, but more of an internal rejection regardless of location. Sometimes the safest escape meant refuge dangerously close to their master. It also highlights the groups and individuals who facilitated in Jacobs’ escape: her grandmother, white allies, relatives, and many others. These groups demonstrate solidarity, coordination, and collaboration – all characteristics that were also observable in distant maroon networks in the Great Dismal Swamp.