Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, remains one of the most iconic figures in American history. Known for her extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment to freedom, Tubman played a pivotal role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Her life’s work not only contributed significantly to the fight against slavery but also to the broader struggles for human rights and women’s suffrage.
Early Life and Enslavement
Harriet Tubman’s early life was marked by the brutal realities of slavery. Born to enslaved parents, Harriet “Rit” Green and Ben Ross, she was the fifth of nine children. Her early years were spent on the plantation of Edward Brodess, where she endured the harsh conditions typical of enslaved people in the American South.
From a young age, Tubman exhibited a strong sense of resistance and an unyielding spirit. At the age of five, she was rented out to neighbors as a domestic servant. Throughout her childhood, she faced severe physical abuse, which left her with permanent injuries. One of the most significant incidents occurred when she was around 12 years old. Tubman was hit in the head with a heavy metal weight by an overseer, an injury that caused lifelong pain and episodes of narcolepsy.
Escape to Freedom
In 1849, driven by the fear of being sold away from her family, Tubman made the courageous decision to escape from slavery. Utilizing the network known as the Underground Railroad, a clandestine system of safe houses and supportive abolitionists, she embarked on a perilous journey northward. Tubman’s journey was fraught with danger, but her determination led her to Philadelphia, where she tasted freedom for the first time.
The Underground Railroad
Harriet Tubman’s escape was just the beginning of her long and dangerous career as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Between 1850 and 1860, Tubman made approximately 13 trips back to the South, guiding around 70 enslaved people to freedom. Her remarkable success earned her the nickname “Moses,” reflecting her role as a deliverer of her people.
The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a railroad. It was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid-19th century. Its purpose was to help enslaved African Americans escape to free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. Despite the severe risks involved, Tubman never lost a “passenger,” a testament to her meticulous planning, quick thinking, and unwavering courage.
Tactics and Strategies
Tubman’s success as a conductor on the Underground Railroad can be attributed to her intelligence, resourcefulness, and profound knowledge of the terrain. She employed various tactics to evade capture and ensure the safety of those she guided. Traveling by night and using the North Star for navigation, she utilized a network of trusted contacts, coded songs, and signals to communicate. Tubman’s deep faith also played a crucial role, as she often attributed her successful missions to divine guidance.
Her ability to think on her feet and adapt to changing circumstances was legendary. Tubman carried a revolver for protection and was known to use it to encourage those who wavered in their resolve to continue the journey to freedom. She understood that hesitation could jeopardize the entire group, and her tough love approach underscored the gravity of their mission.
Impact and Legacy
Harriet Tubman’s contributions to the abolitionist movement were profound and far-reaching. Her efforts not only directly impacted the lives of those she helped free but also inspired countless others to join the fight against slavery. Tubman’s bravery and tenacity challenged the pervasive notion of the time that African Americans were passive recipients of their fate. Instead, she embodied resistance, resilience, and self-determination.
Tubman’s legacy extends beyond her role in the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, she served as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army. Her extensive knowledge of covert travel and Southern terrain proved invaluable in her reconnaissance missions. In one notable operation in 1863, Tubman became the first woman to lead an armed assault during the Combahee River Raid, which resulted in the liberation of over 700 enslaved people.
Life After the Civil War
After the Civil War, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she continued to work tirelessly for social justice. She became an active participant in the women’s suffrage movement, advocating for women’s rights alongside prominent figures like Susan B. Anthony. Despite her significant contributions, Tubman faced financial difficulties throughout her life, often struggling to receive the pensions she was owed for her wartime service.
In her later years, Tubman established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, reflecting her enduring commitment to helping those in need. She dedicated her life to community service, providing shelter and support to the elderly and disadvantaged.
Recognition and Commemoration
Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary life has been commemorated in numerous ways. Her legacy is celebrated through statues, museums, and educational programs across the United States. In 2016, it was announced that Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, a symbolic recognition of her contributions to American history and the fight for freedom and equality. This decision was intended to be implemented by 2020, although it has faced delays.