Accessibility links
American Exile For centuries, the United States has been a prime destination for migrants hoping for better economic opportunities, fleeing danger in their home countries or just seeking a new life. But has there ever been a moment when Americans were the ones who felt compelled to flee elsewhere? In this episode, two stories that challenge the idea of who and why Americans sought refuge in other countries.
NPR logo

American Exile

Listen · 55:32
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/764308292/764693791" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
American Exile

Throughline

American Exile

American Exile

Listen · 55:32
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/764308292/764693791" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
  • People in traditional Confederate costumes hold hands between dances at the annual Festa Confederada (or Confederate Party) on April 24, 2016 in Santa Barbara d'Oeste, Brazil. The festival is put on by Brazilian descendants of families who fled from the southern United States to Brazil during Reconstruction.
    People in traditional Confederate costumes hold hands between dances at the annual Festa Confederada (or Confederate Party) on April 24, 2016 in Santa Barbara d'Oeste, Brazil. The festival is put on by Brazilian descendants of families who fled from the southern United States to Brazil during Reconstruction.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images
  • The grave of a U.S. settler is marked with Confederate flags in the Americanos Cemetery in Santa Barbara d'Oeste, Brazil.
    The grave of a U.S. settler is marked with Confederate flags in the Americanos Cemetery in Santa Barbara d'Oeste, Brazil.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images
  • A commemorative plaque by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada remembering Thornton and Ruthy/Lucie Blackburn
    A commemorative plaque by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada remembering Thornton and Ruthy/Lucie Blackburn
    Courtesy of Karolyn Smardz Frost
  • A fugitive slave notice that described Thornton Blackburn's physical appearance.
    A fugitive slave notice that described Thornton Blackburn's physical appearance.
    Courtesy of Karolyn Smardz Frost

1 of 4

For centuries, the United States has been a prime destination for migrants hoping for better economic opportunities, fleeing danger in their home countries or just seeking a new life. But has there ever been a moment when Americans were the ones who felt compelled to flee elsewhere? In this episode, two stories that challenge the idea of who and why Americans sought refuge in other countries.

If you would like to learn more about the topic:

We love to hear from our listeners! Tweet at us @throughlineNPR, send us an email, or leave us a voicemail at (872) 588-8805.