The distance between Malden and Hampton was five hundred miles and trains only ran a portion of the way. The rest of the way was to be travelled by stage coaches. After travelling over the mountains in an old-fashioned stage coach, it was late in the evening when Booker stopped for the night at a common, unpainted house which was then known to be a hotel. However, he was not provided either food or lodging for being black. He managed to keep himself warm by walking about and that was how he spent the night. He then walked, begged for rides in wagons and in the cars and in some way he managed to reached Richmond, Virginia, which was about eighty-two miles form Hampton. When he reached Richmond he was tired, hungry and dirty. He did not have a single acquaintance in the place. He applied for lodging in several places but all wanted for money which he did not have. He spent the night under a broad sidewalk. The next day he spotted a ship. He requested the captain if he could help upload the vessel and earn money for some food. The captain was a kind-hearted white man. He gave Booker the chance to earn some money. He saved money by sleeping under the same sidewalk for quite a number of days. After he had had enough money to reach Hampton he thanked and captain and left for his destination.

Booker's Journey to Hampton

Booker's journey to Hampton was a significant turning point in his life. It marked the beginning of his pursuit of education and the opportunity for a better future. Here is a detailed description of Booker's journey to Hampton:

1. Motivation to Attend Hampton:
Booker's motivation to attend Hampton was fueled by his desire for education. He witnessed the struggles and limitations faced by his fellow African Americans due to illiteracy. He believed that education was the key to empowerment and wanted to make a difference in the lives of his people.

2. Accumulating Funds:
Booker had to find a way to accumulate funds for his journey to Hampton. He started working at the salt furnace to earn money. Despite the physically demanding nature of the job, Booker persevered and saved every penny he could in order to finance his education.

3. The Long Walk to Hampton:
Booker embarked on a long and arduous journey from his home in Malden, West Virginia, to Hampton, Virginia. He traveled by foot for over five hundred miles, facing various challenges along the way. He encountered hunger, exhaustion, and harsh weather conditions, but his determination to reach Hampton kept him going.

4. Kind Strangers:
During his journey, Booker encountered several kind strangers who provided him with food, shelter, and encouragement. These individuals played a crucial role in supporting Booker and ensuring that he reached Hampton safely. Their acts of kindness restored his faith in humanity and motivated him to continue his journey.

5. Arrival at Hampton:
After several weeks of walking, Booker finally arrived at Hampton Institute. He was in awe of the campus and the opportunities it offered. The sight of students engaged in learning and the atmosphere of education further fueled his determination to succeed.

6. Enrolling at Hampton Institute:
Upon arrival, Booker immediately sought admission to Hampton Institute. Despite being ill-prepared for the entrance exams, his dedication and determination impressed the faculty. He was admitted to the Institute and began his journey towards acquiring knowledge and skills that would shape his future.

In conclusion, Booker's journey to Hampton was a testament to his unwavering determination and belief in the power of education. Despite facing numerous challenges, he overcame them with the help of kind strangers and reached Hampton with a renewed sense of purpose. This journey marked the beginning of his educational journey and set the stage for his future accomplishments as a prominent educator and leader.