Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the United States Army during the American Civil War.
Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. She later helped abolitionist John Brown recruit men for his raid on Harpers Ferry.
During the Civil War, Tubman served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the movement for women’s suffrage. Tubman is regarded as a heroine of American history, and her life and legacy have been commemorated in many ways.
Here are some fascinating facts about Harriet Tubman:
- Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland around 1822. Her birth name was Araminta Ross, but she later changed it to Harriet.
- In 1849, Tubman escaped slavery with the help of the Underground Railroad. She went on to make numerous trips back to the South to help others escape, becoming known as the “Moses of her people.”
- Tubman was known for her bravery and resourcefulness, often making use of disguises and secret codes to evade capture. She was also known to carry a pistol for protection.
- During the Civil War, Tubman worked as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army. She also led a raid in South Carolina that resulted in the rescue of over 750 slaves.
- After the war, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she continued to advocate for the rights of African Americans and women. She helped establish a home for the elderly and a school for African American children.
- In 1913, Tubman marched in the suffrage parade in Washington, D.C. She was in her nineties at the time and was the only African American woman in the parade.
- In 2020, it was announced that Harriet Tubman would be the new face of the U.S. twenty-dollar bill, replacing Andrew Jackson.
Harriet Tubman’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit. She overcame incredible obstacles to fight for her own freedom and the freedom of others, and her legacy continues to inspire people around the world today.
