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Harriet Tubman

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Harriet Tubman was a prominent American abolitionist and social activist.

(Portrait of Harriet Tubman) (LOC) (38899564300)
(Portrait of Harriet Tubman) (LOC) (38899564300)

An abolitionist is someone who works to end slavery. Tubman is celebrated as an icon of courage and freedom. She played a vital role in several major historical movements. Her life spanned from the era of slavery through the American Civil War. She also became a leader in the movement for women's suffrage. This movement fought for the right of women to vote in elections.

Tubman was born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland. Historians believe she was born around March 1822. Her parents were Ben Ross and Harriet Green. Her father was a skilled woodsman on a large plantation. Her mother worked as a cook for the Brodess family. Slavery created a difficult environment for her family. Her mother struggled to keep the family together. Several of Tubman's sisters were sold away from the family. These early experiences influenced Tubman's belief in the necessity of resistance.

As an adolescent, Tubman suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. An overseer threw a heavy metal weight to hit another person. The weight struck Tubman in the head instead. This injury caused her to lose consciousness for weeks. She suffered from painful headaches and seizures for the rest of her life. Some historians suggest she may have had temporal lobe epilepsy. She also experienced periods of hypersomnia, which is extreme sleepiness. Tubman interpreted her vivid dreams and visions as divine revelations from God. These spiritual experiences shaped her deeply religious Methodist faith.

In 1849, Tubman escaped from slavery to Philadelphia. She did not stay in safety, however. She returned to Maryland approximately 13 times to rescue others. She used a secret network called the Underground Railroad. This system consisted of safe houses and activists who helped enslaved people escape. Tubman guided approximately 70 people to freedom, including her own family. She traveled at night and used extreme secrecy to avoid capture.

Harriet Tubman Reward Notice 1849
Harriet Tubman Reward Notice 1849

Because of her leadership, people called her "Moses." She famously stated that she never lost a passenger during her missions.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 changed the risks for escapees. This law made it harder for formerly enslaved people to stay safe in Northern states. Consequently, Tubman guided people even further north into British North America, now known as Canada. She also assisted newly freed people in finding employment. In 1858, she met the abolitionist John Brown.

John Brown portrait, 1859-face crop
John Brown portrait, 1859-face crop

She helped him plan and recruit supporters for his 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry.

When the American Civil War began, Tubman served the Union Army. She initially worked in roles as a cook and a nurse. Later, she served as an armed scout and a spy.

Harriet Tubman Civil War Woodcut
Harriet Tubman Civil War Woodcut

One of her most significant achievements was the raid at Combahee Ferry. During this operation, she helped liberate more than 700 enslaved people.

South-carolina-volunteers raid on Combahee
South-carolina-volunteers raid on Combahee

Many credit her as the first woman to lead an armed military operation in the United States.

After the war, Tubman retired to Auburn, New York. She had purchased property there in 1859. She used her home to care for her aging parents. Tubman remained a dedicated activist for women's suffrage. She also helped establish a home for elderly African Americans.

Harriet Tubman late in life3
Harriet Tubman late in life3

She passed away on March 10, 1913. Her legacy continues through her work for human rights and equality. Her life connects the struggles of the abolitionist movement to the fight for voting rights.

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🖼️ Images & Media (12)
File:Harriet Tubman Locations Map.jpg
Harriet Tubman Locations Map.jpg
File:Harriet Tubman Reward Notice 1849.jpg
Harriet Tubman Reward Notice 1849.jpg
File:Harriet Tubman c1868-69 (cropped).jpg
Harriet Tubman c1868-69 (cropped).jpg
File:Frederick Douglass by Samuel J Miller, 1847-52.png
Frederick Douglass by Samuel J Miller, 1847-52.png
File:John Brown portrait, 1859-face crop.jpg
John Brown portrait, 1859-face crop.jpg
File:Harriet Tubman Civil War Woodcut.jpg
Harriet Tubman Civil War Woodcut.jpg
File:South-carolina-volunteers raid on Combahee.jpg
South-carolina-volunteers raid on Combahee.jpg
File:(Portrait of Harriet Tubman) (LOC) (38899564300).jpg
(Portrait of Harriet Tubman) (LOC)...
File:Harriet Tubman, with rescued slaves, New York Times.JPG
Harriet Tubman, with rescued slaves, New...
File:Harriet Tubman late in life3.jpg
Harriet Tubman late in life3.jpg
File:The launching party for the SS Harriet Tubman, 06-03-1944 - NARA - 535828.jpg
The launching party for the SS Harriet...
File:16-bep-tubmanbill.jpg
16-bep-tubmanbill.jpg
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