William D. Mathews is a hero for multiple reasons. In the mid nineteenth century he owned a restaurant and hotel, which was a big achievement for a free African American at the time. Matthews' main achievement was helping enslaved African Americans escape slavery by turning his house into a station for the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a series of safe places and routes that helped enslaved people escape to the North. There was a hidden door in Matthews' house where he helped many enslaved people hide in safety. 

William. D Mathews was very brave and had lots of heart to help enslaved people out of such a situation. I admire his heart and how he did not care about the risk to himself by saving people. He truly cared about others' lives. 

To illustrate Matthews' story, I created a cardboard house with small props like a ladder and a table made out of modeling clay. You will see in this small house there are framed pictures of William D. Mathews. The house is designed to look like a station in the Underground Railroads that you might see in a museum. 

William D. Matthews' story is relevant because he helped many people escape slavery.  Doing this project helped me realize what a risk WIlliam D. Mathew was taking to help others. It was truly great what he was able to do.