Harriet Tubman remains one of the most remarkable figures in American history, known for her courage, resourcefulness, and unyielding determination in the fight against slavery. Born into the brutal conditions of enslavement, she rose above the horrors she endured to become a key figure in the Underground Railroad, a Civil War spy, and a humanitarian who championed justice and equality. Her legacy continues to inspire movements for freedom and civil rights across generations.
Early Life and Background
Harriet Tubman was born around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, as Araminta Ross. She later changed her name to Harriet in honor of her mother. Tubman was one of nine children born to enslaved parents, Harriet ‘Rit’ Green and Ben Ross. From an early age, she experienced the cruel realities of slavery, including physical violence, separation from family, and back-breaking labor.
One traumatic event that marked her early life was being hit on the head by a heavy object thrown by a slave overseer. This injury caused her to suffer from seizures, headaches, and vivid visions throughout her life experiences she interpreted as religious revelations that guided her future actions.
Escape to Freedom
In 1849, Harriet Tubman made the courageous decision to escape from slavery. She traveled alone, using the North Star as her guide and following the secretive paths of the Underground Railroad. After reaching Pennsylvania and securing her freedom, Tubman could have remained in safety. However, her commitment to helping others would not allow her to rest.
Return Missions to Rescue Others
Between 1850 and 1860, Harriet Tubman returned to the South approximately 13 times to rescue more than 70 enslaved people, including members of her own family. She earned the nickname ‘Moses’ for leading her people out of bondage. Tubman used a network of safe houses, known as stations, and relied on the assistance of abolitionists, both Black and white. She carried a pistol for protection and to discourage anyone she was helping from turning back and risking the safety of the group.
- She never lost a single passenger during her rescue missions.
- She used coded songs and spirituals as communication tools.
- Her strategies included traveling at night and resting in hidden locations during the day.
Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, Harriet Tubman saw it as an opportunity to expand her fight for freedom. She joined the Union Army, initially serving as a nurse and cook. However, her knowledge of Southern geography and her experience in stealth made her an ideal candidate for espionage.
First Woman to Lead a Military Operation
In 1863, Tubman became the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war. She guided Union troops during the Combahee River Raid in South Carolina, which liberated more than 700 enslaved people. Her efforts disrupted Southern supply lines and struck a powerful blow to Confederate resources.
Despite her service, Tubman did not receive formal recognition or a pension for many years, reflecting the widespread racial and gender discrimination of the time.
Later Life and Advocacy
After the Civil War, Harriet Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, on land donated by abolitionist Senator William H. Seward. She continued to care for her aging parents and became active in the fight for women’s suffrage. Tubman worked closely with women’s rights leaders such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
In her later years, Tubman established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, a residence for elderly African Americans in need. She remained a symbol of courage and commitment to justice until her death in 1913 at the age of about 91.
Legacy and Recognition
Though she lived much of her life in poverty, Tubman’s legacy has grown immensely over time. She is celebrated in schools, museums, and books. Several honors have been posthumously awarded to her, including:
- Induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame
- A U.S. Liberty ship named in her honor during World War II
- Plans to feature her image on the U.S. twenty-dollar bill
Harriet Tubman’s life exemplifies the power of bravery, faith, and action in the face of systemic oppression. Her commitment to others, even at great personal risk, makes her one of the most respected heroes in history.
Key Facts About Harriet Tubman
1. She Was Illiterate but Highly Intelligent
Despite never learning to read or write, Tubman possessed remarkable intelligence and memory. She memorized complex routes, safe house locations, and critical contacts that made her Underground Railroad missions successful.
2. She Believed She Was Guided by God
Her faith played a central role in her life. Tubman believed her visions and dreams were divine messages, which strengthened her resolve and gave her confidence during her dangerous missions.
3. She Was a Lifelong Advocate for Equality
Beyond her work with the Underground Railroad, Tubman championed civil rights, women’s suffrage, and healthcare. She used her platform to speak out against injustice in all forms, even when it was unpopular or risky.
4. Her Birth Name Was Araminta Ross
She adopted the name Harriet when she married John Tubman, a free Black man, in 1844. Changing her name also marked a turning point in her identity and mission.
5. She Suffered Lifelong Health Issues
After the head injury she sustained in childhood, Tubman endured seizures and chronic pain for the rest of her life. Yet, these challenges did not deter her from carrying out physically demanding and dangerous work.
Harriet Tubman’s story is one of unshakable bravery and moral conviction. She transformed personal suffering into a mission to free others, risking her life many times to challenge one of the greatest injustices in American history. Her contributions went far beyond the Underground Railroad. As a nurse, spy, activist, and suffragist, Tubman carved a path that others continue to follow. Her enduring legacy reminds us that one individual, armed with courage and purpose, can indeed change the world.