Harriet Tubman is one of the most revered figures in American history, known for her bravery, determination, and unwavering commitment to the abolition of slavery. Born into slavery herself, Tubman became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, leading hundreds of enslaved people to freedom and risking her life repeatedly for the cause. Tubman’s legacy as a freedom fighter extends far beyond her role in the Underground Railroad—she was also a spy, nurse, and advocate for women’s suffrage.
This article will explore Harriet Tubman’s early life, her escape from slavery, her work on the Underground Railroad, and her lasting legacy as an American hero.
Early Life in Slavery: The Seeds of Resistance
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross around 1822 on a plantation in Dorchester County, Maryland. She was the fifth of nine children born to Harriet Green and Ben Ross, both of whom were enslaved. As a child, Tubman was subjected to the brutal realities of slavery. She was hired out to work for other families at a young age, where she endured harsh physical labor and abuse.
One of the most defining moments of Tubman’s childhood occurred when she was struck in the head by a heavy metal weight while attempting to defend another enslaved person. This injury caused her to suffer from seizures, headaches, and vivid dreams and visions for the rest of her life. Tubman viewed these visions as messages from God, deepening her religious faith and guiding her decisions in her fight for freedom.
Despite the hardships she faced, Tubman remained determined to escape the bonds of slavery. In 1844, she married a free Black man named John Tubman, though their marriage did not provide her with freedom. Five years later, Tubman made the life-changing decision to flee the plantation.
Escape to Freedom: The First Step Toward Liberation
In 1849, fearing that she would be sold further south, Tubman escaped to freedom. With the help of the Underground Railroad—a secret network of routes, safe houses, and abolitionists who helped enslaved people escape—she made the dangerous journey to Pennsylvania, a free state. Traveling mostly by foot and navigating through forests and swamps, Tubman reached Philadelphia and tasted freedom for the first time.
But Tubman’s freedom was bittersweet. Despite her own liberation, her family and friends remained enslaved in Maryland, and the injustice of slavery weighed heavily on her. Rather than remaining in the safety of the North, Tubman made the bold decision to return to the South to rescue others. Thus began her remarkable career as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
The Underground Railroad: Leading Hundreds to Freedom
Harriet Tubman’s work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad spanned more than a decade. Over the course of multiple trips to the South, she personally led approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom, including members of her family. She also provided instructions and guidance that helped an additional 60 to 70 people escape. Her journeys were fraught with danger—if caught, Tubman faced certain death or re-enslavement—but she never wavered in her mission.
Tubman’s strategies as a conductor were highly effective. She traveled by night to avoid detection, using the North Star as a guide. She employed a network of safe houses, known as “stations,” where sympathetic abolitionists provided food and shelter for runaway slaves. Tubman also carried a gun, which she used to protect herself and the people she was guiding. Despite the danger, she often joked that it was also to encourage fearful escapees to keep moving forward, famously saying, “You’ll be free or die.”
Tubman became known as “Moses” for her role in leading enslaved people to freedom, a reference to the biblical figure who led the Israelites out of bondage. Her ability to evade capture earned her a fearsome reputation among slaveholders, who placed a bounty on her head. Despite the risks, Tubman’s knowledge of the land and her cunning tactics allowed her to remain undetected. She never lost a single passenger on the Underground Railroad.
In addition to leading individual escapees, Tubman played a key role in helping families escape together. She orchestrated the escape of her elderly parents in 1857, and her efforts helped ensure that entire families could reunite in freedom.
The Civil War: Expanding Her Role as a Freedom Fighter
Harriet Tubman’s fight for freedom did not end with the Underground Railroad. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Tubman saw an opportunity to contribute to the Union cause. She offered her services to the Union Army, where she initially worked as a nurse, tending to wounded soldiers and former enslaved people who had escaped to Union lines.
However, Tubman’s most significant contributions during the Civil War were as a scout and spy. Her knowledge of the South’s terrain and her ability to move undetected made her an invaluable asset to the Union Army. In 1863, Tubman became the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the war, guiding a raid at the Combahee River in South Carolina. This raid resulted in the liberation of more than 700 enslaved people and dealt a blow to the Confederacy’s infrastructure by destroying Confederate supplies.
Tubman’s bravery and leadership during the war earned her respect among soldiers and commanders alike, though she was never compensated for her work as a scout and spy during her lifetime.
Advocating for Women’s Rights: A New Fight for Equality
After the Civil War, Tubman continued to fight for justice and equality, shifting her focus to the women’s suffrage movement. As a former enslaved woman who had fought tirelessly for the rights of African Americans, Tubman believed that women deserved the right to vote and have a voice in the democratic process.
She worked alongside prominent suffragists such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, speaking at women’s suffrage meetings and advocating for equal rights. Though she was elderly and often in poor health, Tubman remained a passionate advocate for justice until her death in 1913.
Harriet Tubman’s Legacy: A Symbol of Courage and Freedom
Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. She is remembered as a fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad, a courageous soldier in the fight for freedom, and a tireless advocate for the rights of women and African Americans. Her unwavering commitment to justice, despite the personal risks she faced, has made her an enduring symbol of courage and resilience.
In recognition of her contributions to American history, Harriet Tubman has been honored in various ways. Schools, parks, and museums bear her name, and her story is taught in classrooms as a key part of the struggle for civil rights. In 2016, the U.S. Treasury Department announced plans to feature Tubman on the $20 bill, replacing Andrew Jackson, a former slaveholder. This decision underscores her importance as a national hero and a figure of empowerment.
Beyond the honors and recognition, Tubman’s legacy is most deeply felt in the lives of the people she liberated and the generations of Americans who continue to fight for equality. Her courage, ingenuity, and commitment to justice remind us that one person, armed with a sense of purpose and moral clarity, can change the course of history.
Harriet Tubman’s Enduring Impact
Harriet Tubman’s story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and determination. As the “Moses” of the Underground Railroad, she risked her life repeatedly to lead others to freedom, challenging the institution of slavery and fighting for the fundamental rights of all people. Her work as a conductor, soldier, nurse, and advocate for women’s suffrage made her a pioneer not only in the fight against slavery but also in the broader struggle for civil rights and equality.
Tubman’s legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice, reminding us that the fight for freedom is never easy but always worth pursuing. She is a lasting symbol of hope, strength, and the transformative power of individual action.
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