Harriet Tubman: A Life of Courage, Freedom, and Service

Early Life and Enslavement

Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross, known as "Minty," around 1822 (the exact date is unknown) on the Thompson plantation in Dorchester County, Maryland. Her parents were Benjamin Ross and Harriet "Rit" Green, both enslaved by different owners. Her mother was owned by Mary Pattison Brodess, while her father was owned by Anthony Thompson. This split ownership of families was a common and cruel practice during slavery that constantly threatened to separate loved ones.

Araminta was one of nine children born to Ben and Rit. Her siblings were Linah, Mariah Ritty, Soph, Robert, Ben, Rachel, Henry, and Moses. The constant threat of being sold and separated haunted the family throughout their lives. This fear became reality for some of her siblings – Linah, Mariah Ritty, and Soph were all sold to distant plantations, devastating the family.

From an extremely young age, Araminta experienced the brutal reality of slavery. By the age of five or six, she was rented out to neighboring plantations. Her first job was as a nursemaid for a baby, where she was frequently whipped when the baby cried. If she didn't keep the baby quiet, she was beaten. This early exposure to violence would leave both physical and emotional scars that stayed with her throughout her life.

As she grew older, she was assigned increasingly difficult work. She checked muskrat traps in cold waters, worked as a field hand, and hauled heavy loads. The backbreaking labor helped build her physical strength and endurance – attributes that would later prove crucial in her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

The Head Injury That Shaped Her Life

One of the most pivotal moments in young Araminta's life occurred when she was around 13 years old. While at a dry goods store with an overseer, she encountered an enslaved man who had left his field without permission. The overseer demanded that Araminta help restrain the man, but she refused. As the man attempted to flee, the overseer grabbed a two-pound weight from the counter and hurled it at him. The weight missed its intended target and struck Araminta in the head instead.

The injury nearly killed her and left her with a lifetime of severe health issues. She began experiencing seizures, narcolepsy, and intense headaches. Most significantly, she started having vivid dreams and visions, which she interpreted as messages from God. These spiritual experiences would later guide many of her decisions and strengthen her resolve in dangerous situations.

During her recovery, her value as an enslaved person decreased due to her injuries, making her more difficult to sell. While this might have seemed like a tragedy at the time, it ultimately worked in her favor, keeping her from being sold away from her family and eventually allowing her to remain in the area where she would begin her work with the Underground Railroad.

Marriage and Early Freedom Efforts

In 1844, Araminta married John Tubman, a free Black man. She took his last name and also began using her mother's first name, becoming Harriet Tubman. The marriage was complex, as it united a free man with an enslaved woman. Any children they might have would automatically be considered enslaved under the law, as children followed the status of their mother.

The marriage was also complicated by Tubman's growing desire for freedom. She had begun to seriously consider escape, inspired by her faith and her deep desire for liberty. The discussions about freedom apparently caused tension in her marriage, as John did not share her determination to flee north.

Planning for Freedom

By 1849, rumors began circulating that the Brodess family was planning to sell more enslaved people, potentially including Tubman and her brothers. The death of Edward Brodess, her owner, made this threat even more real as his widow, Eliza, began selling enslaved people to settle debts.

Tubman refused to accept this fate. She began planning her escape meticulously, using the knowledge she had gained over years of working in the fields and marshlands of Maryland's Eastern Shore. She studied the stars, learned about safe houses and sympathetic allies, and waited for the right moment.

The Escape to Freedom

In September 1849, Harriet Tubman made her bold escape to freedom. She was aided by the Underground Railroad, a network of antislavery activists and safe houses. She initially fled with her brothers, Ben and Henry, but they became frightened and turned back. Harriet continued alone, following the North Star and traveling by night.

The journey was approximately 90 miles and took several days. She moved through forests and swamps, used the stars for navigation, and relied on the help of Underground Railroad supporters. She later recalled, "When I found I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything; the sun came like gold through the trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in Heaven."

A New Life in Philadelphia

Tubman arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a free state, but found that freedom alone was not enough. She later said, "I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land."

In Philadelphia, she found work as a domestic servant and began saving money. However, she couldn't forget those she had left behind. She was particularly troubled by thoughts of her family members who remained enslaved. This concern would soon drive her to make the first of many dangerous journeys back to Maryland.

The Underground Railroad Years

Between 1850 and 1860, Harriet Tubman made approximately 13 trips back to Maryland, guiding around 70 enslaved people to freedom. Her success earned her the nickname "Moses," after the biblical figure who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Her methods were ingenious and varied, demonstrating remarkable tactical intelligence.

Methods and Strategies

Tubman developed sophisticated strategies for her rescue missions:

She typically conducted rescue operations in winter when nights were longer and fewer people were on the roads.
She usually departed on Saturday nights because newspapers couldn't print runaway notices until Monday morning.
She carried sleeping medicine to quiet crying babies that might give away their location.
She had a pistol for both protection and to prevent scared runaways from turning back and potentially compromising the entire group.
She used disguises and often traveled by different routes to avoid detection.
She developed a network of reliable contacts and safe houses along her routes.

Her success rate was remarkable – she never lost a single passenger on her Underground Railroad journeys. When asked about this achievement, she attributed it to divine guidance and her careful planning.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850

The passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 made Tubman's work even more dangerous. This law required citizens of free states to assist in returning escaped enslaved people and imposed heavy penalties on those who aided fugitives. The act forced Tubman to reroute her Underground Railroad activities through Canada, where British law protected former enslaved people.

Despite the increased risks, Tubman continued her missions. She extended her routes to St. Catharines, Ontario, where many of her rescued passengers settled into new lives. The community there became an important terminus of the Underground Railroad and a haven for escaped enslaved people.

Notable Rescues

One of Tubman's most famous rescues was that of her elderly parents in 1857. Her father, Ben, had been manumitted at the age of 45, but her mother Rit was still legally enslaved. When Tubman learned that her father was in legal trouble and her mother was at risk of being sold, she orchestrated a complex rescue operation. She constructed a wagon with a hidden compartment and successfully transported them to St. Catharines, Canada.

Another remarkable rescue involved a man named Joe Bailey. When slave catchers were closing in on the safe house where Bailey was hiding, Tubman helped him escape by staging an elaborate ruse. She dressed him as a woman and walked with him in broad daylight past the very men who were searching for him.

Civil War Service

When the Civil War began in 1861, Tubman found new ways to fight against slavery. She offered her services to the Union Army, first as a cook and nurse, but soon became much more. Her experience in clandestine operations and knowledge of covert travel through hostile territory made her an invaluable asset.

Work as a Scout and Spy

The Union Army employed Tubman as a scout and spy operating in Confederate territory. She gathered intelligence about Confederate positions, movements, and fortifications. Her ability to move undetected and gain the trust of local enslaved people made her especially effective in this role.

Her most significant military contribution came in June 1863, when she guided Colonel James Montgomery and his Second South Carolina Volunteers (an African American unit) up the Combahee River. The mission destroyed several Confederate strongholds and freed approximately 750 enslaved people - many of whom immediately joined the Union Army.

Medical Care and Humanitarian Work

In addition to her intelligence work, Tubman served as a nurse in Union camps. She used her knowledge of herbal medicines, gained during her years in Maryland, to treat soldiers suffering from various diseases and infections. She was particularly effective in treating dysentery, using local plants to create remedies that saved many lives.

Despite her invaluable service, Tubman struggled to receive compensation from the government. She was initially paid only $200 for three years of service, significantly less than male scouts. It would take decades of advocacy before she received her proper pension.

Post-War Life and Activism

After the Civil War, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she had purchased a small property from Senator William H. Seward in 1859. This became her base for continuing humanitarian work and civil rights activism.

Marriage to Nelson Davis

In 1869, Tubman married Nelson Davis, a Civil War veteran who was 22 years her junior. Their marriage lasted 19 years until his death from tuberculosis in 1888. During their marriage, they adopted a baby girl named Gertie.

Advocacy for Women's Suffrage

Tubman became increasingly involved in the women's suffrage movement, working alongside activists like Susan B. Anthony and Emily Howland. She gave powerful speeches about her experiences and the importance of women's rights, drawing parallels between slavery and the oppression of women.

At suffrage conventions and meetings, she often spoke about how she had "reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other." Her words and presence lent moral authority to the suffrage cause.

The Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged

In 1896, Tubman purchased 25 acres of land adjacent to her property in Auburn, with the goal of establishing a home for elderly and indigent African Americans. She eventually transferred the property to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, which helped operate the facility.

The Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged opened in 1908, and Tubman herself became a resident in her final years. The home represented her continuing commitment to helping others and providing for those in need, especially formerly enslaved people who had few resources in their elder years.

Personal Challenges and Triumphs

Throughout her life, Tubman faced numerous personal challenges while continuing her work for others. Her head injury from childhood continued to affect her, causing headaches and seizures that sometimes left her incapacitated for days.

Financial Struggles

Despite her service to the nation, Tubman struggled financially throughout her later years. She supported many dependents and gave generously to others in need, often leaving herself short of funds. Her military pension was initially denied, and it took years of advocacy by supporters before she received proper compensation.

In 1898, after decades of petitioning, Congress finally approved a pension increase to $20 per month for her Civil War service. This helped stabilize her financial situation somewhat, though she continued to live modestly.

Recognition and Honors

During her lifetime, Tubman received increasing recognition for her achievements:

Sarah Bradford published her biography, "Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman," in 1869
She was invited to speak at numerous suffrage conventions and civil rights meetings
Several prominent abolitionists and civil rights leaders praised her work and character
She received honors from various organizations and institutions

Legacy and Historical Impact

Harriet Tubman died on March 10, 1913, in Auburn, New York. She was approximately 90 years old. Her death certificate listed "pneumonia" as the cause, and she was buried with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery.

Immediate Impact

Tubman's impact on American history was profound and immediate. During her lifetime, she:

Personally guided approximately 70 people to freedom
Provided detailed instructions that helped about 50-60 more people escape slavery
Served the Union Army as a scout, spy, and nurse
Contributed to the women's suffrage movement
Established a home for elderly African Americans
Inspired countless others to fight against injustice

Long-term Historical Significance

Tubman's legacy continues to grow and inspire new generations:

Historical Recognition

Her home in Auburn became a National Historic Landmark
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park was established in Maryland
Multiple schools, streets, and organizations bear her name
Her life story has been featured in numerous books, films, and documentaries

Cultural Impact

She has become a symbol of courage and freedom
Her story is taught in schools across America
Her tactical and leadership abilities are studied as examples of successful resistance
Her life demonstrates the power of individual action against systemic injustice

Modern Relevance

Her work continues to inspire civil rights activists
Her methods of resistance and organization inform modern social movements
Her commitment to helping others serves as a model for humanitarian work
Her persistence in seeking justice resonates with contemporary struggles

Character and Personal Traits

Leadership Style

Tubman's leadership style was characterized by:

Strategic Thinking

Careful planning of escape routes
Attention to timing and weather conditions
Development of backup plans and alternative routes
Creation of support networks

Personal Courage

Willingness to risk her own freedom for others
Determination in the face of danger
Resilience despite physical ailments
Steadfast commitment to her mission

Practical Intelligence

Ability to navigate by natural signs
Knowledge of local geography and terrain
Understanding of human psychology
Skill in disguise and deception when necessary

Spiritual Life

Tubman's faith was central to her work and character:

Religious Beliefs

Strong Christian faith
Belief in divine guidance
Interpretation of dreams and visions as messages from God
Use of spirituals as coded communication

Moral Framework

Commitment to justice
Belief in human dignity
Dedication to helping others
Unwavering opposition to slavery

Historical Context and Significance

The Underground Railroad Network

Tubman's work was part of a larger network of resistance to slavery:

Organization

Complex network of safe houses
System of secret communications
Cooperation across racial and social lines
Integration of various anti-slavery efforts

Impact

Thousands of successful escapes
Weakening of the slave system
Development of interracial cooperation
Creation of resistance strategies

Civil War Context

Tubman's Civil War service demonstrated:

Military Contribution

Value of intelligence gathering
Importance of local knowledge
Role of African Americans in the Union victory
Integration of civilian and military resistance

Social Impact

Breaking of gender barriers
Recognition of African American capabilities
Advancement of civil rights
Development of military nursing

Educational and Historical Resources

Primary Sources

Important primary sources about Tubman include:

Contemporary Accounts

Sarah Bradford's biographies
Military records
Personal correspondence
Newspaper articles

Personal Testimonies

Accounts from people she rescued
Military reports of her service
Suffrage movement records
Church and community records

Archaeological Evidence

Recent archaeological work has revealed:

Physical Sites

Underground Railroad routes
Safe house locations
Military camp sites
Community settlements

Material Culture

Personal artifacts
Tools and equipment
Buildings and structures
Documentary evidence

Modern Commemorations and Honors

Public Recognition

Recent efforts to honor Tubman include:

Government Actions

Establishment of national parks
Creation of museums
Preservation of historic sites
Educational programs

Cultural Tributes

Artistic representations
Literary works
Musical compositions
Educational curricula

Contemporary Relevance

Tubman's legacy continues to influence:

Social Justice Movements

Civil rights activism
Women's rights
Human trafficking prevention
Humanitarian work

Leadership Studies

Military strategy
Underground resistance
Humanitarian organization
Social movement leadership

Conclusion

Harriet Tubman's life represents an extraordinary example of courage, determination, and service to others. From her early years in slavery through her work on the Underground Railroad, her Civil War service, and her later humanitarian efforts, she demonstrated remarkable strength of character and commitment to justice.

Her legacy continues to inspire and inform contemporary struggles for freedom and equality. The combination of her tactical intelligence, physical courage, and moral

Harriet Tubman