1840s: Slavery is legal in the southern part of the United States, and African Americans have no rights.

Today: African Americans are legally entitled to all the same rights as other Americans, although American society is still struggling against racism.

1840s: It takes a ship four months to travel from North America to Africa and back, and the journey is extremely hazardous.

1840s: Children are not required to attend school, but they are expected to work to help their families make a living, and they often work long hours.

Today: Child labor is against the law, and all children must attend school.

1840s: The area around New Orleans is forest, farms, and swamps. Jessie could walk toward the city for three days and see...