Answer:
D. New orleans
Explanation:
The city that was of vital importance to those living in the West as a place to store goods and ship them to markets is New Orleans.
Not sure what you're looking for exactly, but they were certainly risking their lives and livelihoods. African-Americans weren't the only people to be lynched in the fight against racism- black and white abolitionists were at risk as well (though certainly whites to a lesser degree).