Harriet Tubman, American nurse and activist (b. 1820)

The Enduring Legacy of Harriet Tubman: A Life Dedicated to Freedom

Known to history as Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross around March 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, her extraordinary life, spanning until March 10, 1913, was a testament to courage, unwavering faith, and an unyielding fight for human dignity. She emerged from the brutal confines of slavery to become one of America's most revered abolitionists and a steadfast political activist.

Early Life and the Scars of Slavery

Harriet's childhood was marked by unimaginable hardship, experiencing the cruel realities of slavery firsthand through relentless beatings and whippings inflicted by her various masters. A particularly harrowing incident left an indelible mark: a severe head wound suffered when an infuriated overseer, aiming a heavy metal weight at another enslaved person, struck young Harriet instead. This traumatic injury had lifelong consequences, manifesting as spells of dizziness, persistent pain, and hypersomnia – a condition causing extreme sleepiness. Yet, from this profound suffering, a spiritual awakening bloomed. After her injury, Tubman began to experience vivid dreams and strange visions, which she firmly believed were premonitions from God, guiding her path. This deep spiritual connection, fostered by her Methodist upbringing, solidified her as a devoutly religious woman, a faith that would later become her bedrock of strength.

"Moses" of the Underground Railroad

In 1849, driven by an innate yearning for liberty, Tubman made her daring escape to Philadelphia, a beacon of freedom. But her personal freedom was not enough. Soon after, she courageously returned to Maryland, embarking on a perilous mission to liberate her family. With meticulous planning and immense personal risk, she slowly, group by group, guided her relatives out of the slave state. Eventually, her missions expanded, leading dozens of other enslaved people to freedom through the intricate and dangerous network known as the Underground Railroad. Operating under the cloak of night and with extreme secrecy, Tubman earned the revered moniker "Moses" among those she saved. Her legendary success was encapsulated in a powerful truth: she "never lost a passenger." Following the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which intensified the hunt for escaped slaves, Tubman extended her efforts, guiding fugitives even further north into British North America, now Canada, and diligently assisting newly freed individuals in securing work and establishing new lives. Her commitment to the cause extended to meeting the radical abolitionist John Brown in 1858, contributing to the planning and recruitment efforts for his fateful 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry.

Civil War Hero and Advocate for Suffrage

When the drums of the Civil War began to beat, Tubman once again answered the call, dedicating her formidable skills to the Union Army. She initially served as a cook and nurse, but her extraordinary courage and intelligence soon saw her elevated to the critical roles of armed scout and spy. In a truly groundbreaking feat, Harriet Tubman became the first woman in American history to lead an armed expedition during wartime. This remarkable command culminated in the Combahee Ferry raid, a pivotal moment that liberated over 700 enslaved people, marking one of the most successful military actions involving African American troops during the war. After the war concluded, Tubman retired to the quiet dignity of her family home in Auburn, New York, a property she had foresightfully purchased in 1859, where she dedicated herself to caring for her aging parents. Yet, her activism was far from over. She remained a passionate and active participant in the burgeoning women's suffrage movement, advocating tirelessly for voting rights, until illness eventually compelled her to step back. In her final years, she found care in a home for elderly African Americans, an institution she had been instrumental in helping to establish years prior. Harriet Tubman’s life stands as an eternal beacon, an icon of unparalleled courage and the enduring spirit of freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harriet Tubman

Who was Harriet Tubman?
Harriet Tubman was a remarkable American abolitionist, political activist, and humanitarian who escaped slavery and subsequently risked her life repeatedly to lead hundreds of other enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. She also served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War and was an advocate for women's suffrage.
When and where was Harriet Tubman born?
Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, was born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, around March 1822.
What was the "Underground Railroad"?
The Underground Railroad was a clandestine network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. Harriet Tubman was one of its most famous "conductors."
How many people did Harriet Tubman rescue?
Harriet Tubman is credited with personally leading approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom, including family and friends, over about 13 dangerous missions. Beyond that, she provided guidance and instruction to many more who found their way to freedom.
What was Harriet Tubman's role in the Civil War?
During the American Civil War, Harriet Tubman served the Union Army first as a cook and nurse, then as an armed scout and spy. She famously led the Combahee Ferry raid, liberating over 700 enslaved people, making her the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war.
What other causes did Harriet Tubman support?
In her later years, after the Civil War, Harriet Tubman became an active and vocal advocate in the movement for women's suffrage, tirelessly fighting for women's right to vote.