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Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross around March 1822 and passing on March 10, 1913, was a renowned American abolitionist and social activist. After escaping slavery, she undertook approximately 13 missions to free about 70 enslaved individuals, including her family and friends. Tubman utilized the Underground Railroad, a network of antislavery activists and safe houses, to achieve these rescues. During the American Civil War, she also served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman became a prominent advocate for women's suffrage.

Born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman endured severe beatings and whippings during her childhood. She sustained a traumatic head injury early in life when an enraged overseer threw a heavy metal weight intended for another enslaved person but struck her instead. This injury caused recurring dizziness, pain, and spells of hypersomnia throughout her life. Following this incident, Tubman began having strange visions and vivid dreams, which she believed were premonitions from God. These experiences, coupled with her Methodist upbringing, deepened her devout religious faith.

In 1849, Tubman escaped to Philadelphia but soon returned to Maryland to rescue her family. Gradually, she brought her relatives out of Maryland and eventually guided dozens of other enslaved individuals to freedom. Known as "Moses," Tubman traveled by night and in extreme secrecy, famously stating that she "never lost a passenger." After the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was enacted, she helped escapees move further north into Canada and assisted newly freed individuals in finding employment. In 1858, Tubman met John Brown and helped him plan and recruit supporters for his 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry.

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery on the plantation of Anthony Thompson in Dorchester County, Maryland. Her exact birthdate is unknown, but it is estimated to be around 1822. She was one of nine children born to Harriet “Rit” Green and Ben Ross. Tubman’s early life was marked by the harsh realities of slavery. At a young age, she was hired out to various owners who subjected her to brutal treatment and backbreaking labor.

Tubman received no formal education; instead, her knowledge came from the harsh school of experience. Despite this, she developed a deep religious faith that sustained her through many trials. At the age of 13, she suffered a severe head injury when an overseer threw a heavy metal weight intending to hit another slave but struck her instead. This injury caused Tubman to experience severe headaches, seizures, and visions for the rest of her life. She interpreted these visions as revelations from God, which guided her in her missions.

Tubman’s journey to freedom began in 1849 when she escaped from her owner’s plantation. Traveling by night and using the North Star for guidance, she made her way to Philadelphia. Rather than remaining in the safety of the North, Tubman returned to Maryland to rescue her family and others. Over a decade, she made numerous trips back to the South, guiding many enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Her work with the Underground Railroad earned her the nickname “Moses,” a reference to the biblical figure who led his people out of bondage. Tubman’s methods were meticulous and her missions were dangerous, but she never lost a single person under her care. Her efforts were instrumental in weakening the institution of slavery and galvanizing the abolitionist movement.

During the Civil War, Tubman’s skills and knowledge were invaluable to the Union Army. She served as a scout and spy, often behind enemy lines. Her most notable military achievement came in 1863 when she guided the Combahee River Raid, which liberated more than 700 enslaved people in South Carolina. Tubman also worked as a nurse, using her knowledge of herbal medicine to care for sick and wounded soldiers.

After the war, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she continued her humanitarian work. She was active in the women’s suffrage movement and established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, which provided care for elderly African Americans.

Harriet Tubman’s legacy is profound and enduring. She is remembered as a fearless leader who risked her life to ensure the freedom of others. Her efforts as a conductor on the Underground Railroad not only freed many individuals from the bonds of slavery but also inspired countless others to join the fight against the institution.

Tubman’s work during the Civil War demonstrated her tactical genius and unwavering commitment to justice. Her leadership in the Combahee River Raid stands as a testament to her strategic acumen and her ability to inspire and lead others under the most challenging conditions.

In the years following her death in 1913, Tubman’s legacy has continued to grow. She has been the subject of numerous books, films, and academic studies. Monuments and memorials have been erected in her honor, and she has been inducted into various halls of fame. Her image is set to appear on the U.S. $20 bill, a recognition of her significant contributions to American history.

Harriet Tubman’s story continues to inspire new generations of activists and leaders. Her life exemplifies the power of courage, faith, and determination in the fight for justice and equality. As the struggle for civil rights continues, Tubman’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit.

1. André, Naomi (2018). Black Opera: History, Power, Engagement. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press. ISBN 978-0-252-08357-0.
2. Clinton, Catherine (2004). Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 978-0-316-14492-6 – via Open Library.
3. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Retrieved May 28, 2023.