Born in Connecticut in 1811, Harriet Beecher Stowe was an abolitionist, author, and playwright. Slavery was a major industry in the American South, and Stowe worked with the Underground Railroad to help escaped slaves head north towards freedom. The publication of her book, "Uncle Tom s Cabin, "a scathing anti-slavery novel, fanned the flames that started the Civil War. The book s emotional portrayal of the impact of slavery captured the nation s attention. A best-seller in its time, "Uncle Tom s Cabin" sealed Harriet Beecher Stowe s reputations as one of the most influential anti-slavery voices in US history."