Harriet Tubman is one of the most iconic figures in American history, celebrated for her courage, ingenuity, and tireless work in fighting for freedom and equality. Born into slavery, Tubman rose above unimaginable adversities to become a leading abolitionist before the American Civil War.
Her life’s journey has inspired countless others to stand up for their rights and for the rights of others. In this article, we will explore 12 fascinating facts about Harriet Tubman’s life and achievements.
Harriet Tubman Facts
Harriet Tubman’s Birth and Early Years in Slavery
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross around 1820 in Dorchester County, Maryland. The exact date of her birth is unknown due to the lack of records for enslaved people. Tubman was born into slavery, with her parents, Harriet (“Rit”) Green and Ben Ross, enslaved by different owners.
She was one of nine children, and her childhood was filled with hardship and the constant threat of family separation due to slavery.
The Origin of the Name ‘Harriet Tubman’
Around the age of five or six, Araminta started to work as a house servant. She later changed her first name to Harriet, likely in honor of her mother. Upon marrying a free black man, John Tubman, in 1844, she took his last name, becoming known as Harriet Tubman.
Her marriage to John was complex due to her enslaved status, but it was a pivotal point in her life.
Harriet Tubman’s First Escape and Return
In 1849, due to impending rumors of her being sold, Tubman made her first daring escape from slavery. Using the cover of darkness and the guidance of the North Star, she navigated her way to Philadelphia and freedom.
However, rather than remaining safely in the North, she returned multiple times to the South risking her own freedom to rescue family members and others from the bonds of slavery.
The ‘Moses’ of Her People: Harriet Tubman’s Role in the Underground Railroad
Harriet Tubman is best known for her role as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad. She made an estimated 13 trips to the South, leading around 70 enslaved people to freedom. Tubman employed clever tactics and disguises to avoid capture and never lost a passenger.
She was so successful that slaveholders placed a bounty on her head, but she remained undeterred in her mission.
Harriet Tubman’s Spy Activities During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Harriet Tubman served as a spy for the Union Army. Her knowledge of secret routes and safe houses was invaluable, and she helped to organize a network of informants.
Tubman’s contributions included leading a raid that resulted in the rescue of over 700 slaves. She was the first woman to lead an armed assault during the Civil War.
Harriet Tubman’s Fight for Women’s Suffrage
After the Civil War, Harriet Tubman continued to fight for justice as a staunch advocate for women’s suffrage. She worked alongside well-known suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Emily Howland.
Tubman believed that the right to vote was essential for African American women to gain equality and fought tirelessly for this cause, speaking at various conferences and meetings.
The Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged and Indigent Colored People
In her later years, Harriet Tubman dedicated herself to caring for others. She opened the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged and Indigent Colored People in Auburn, New York in 1908.
Tubman sought to create a place where elderly African Americans could live with dignity and support. Even as she aged, her compassion and commitment to service did not wane.
Physical Injuries and Health Issues That Harriet Tubman Endured
From an early age, Tubman suffered from health issues. As a young girl, she sustained a severe head injury when an overseer threw a two-pound weight at another slave and hit her instead. This injury caused Tubman lifelong pain and periodic episodes of narcolepsy and severe headaches.
Despite her injuries, she never allowed them to hinder her missions.
Harriet Tubman’s Involvement with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Harriet Tubman was a devout Christian and a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Her faith was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life, guiding her actions and decisions. She was active in the church community and relied on her faith as a moral compass. The AME Zion Church played a significant role in her activism and care for others.
The Recognition and Awards Harriet Tubman Received During and After Her Life
Although Harriet Tubman did not receive formal recognition from the government during her lifetime, she was celebrated by the communities she helped and among abolitionists and suffragists. It wasn’t until after her death that her contributions to American society began to be widely recognized.
She has since been honored on stamps, with statues, and has had schools and other institutions named after her. Most notably, a plan to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill was announced to replace Andrew Jackson’s portrait, reflecting her significant place in American history.
Harriet Tubman’s Death and Legacy
Harriet Tubman died of pneumonia on March 10, 1913, at the approximate age of 93. She passed away surrounded by friends and family at the Home for the Aged she had established. Her last words were “I go to prepare a place for you,” reflecting her deep spiritual beliefs.
Tubman’s legacy continues to inspire many to fight for equality and freedom, and her death marked the end of an extraordinary life of service.
How Harriet Tubman’s Life Has Been Memorialized in Popular Culture
Harriet Tubman’s life and work have been memorialized in books, movies, and various art forms. She has been portrayed in numerous plays and motion pictures, capturing the public imagination and bringing her story to new generations.
In addition, her life has been the subject of scholarly research, documentaries, and has been included in the curricula of schools around the country. Tubman remains a symbol of courage and resistance against oppression.
FAQs
How did Harriet Tubman navigate the Underground Railroad?
Harriet Tubman used her knowledge of the landscape, secret signs, and information passed down quietly among enslaved and free black people. She traveled mostly by night, relied on the North Star, and sought assistance from trusted members of the Underground Railroad network.
Was Harriet Tubman ever married?
Yes, Harriet Tubman was married twice. Her first marriage was to John Tubman, a free black man, in 1844. After his death, she married Nelson Davis, a Civil War veteran, in 1869.
How many slaves did Harriet Tubman rescue?
Estimates suggest that Harriet Tubman personally led around 70 slaves to freedom during about 13 expeditions. Additionally, she helped hundreds of others escape by providing instructions and advice.
How has Harriet Tubman been recognized in the modern era?
Harriet Tubman has been recognized through a variety of honors including the naming of schools, the establishment of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, and an announced redesign of the $20 bill featuring her likeness, although the latter has yet to be implemented.
What were Harriet Tubman’s contributions during the Civil War?
Beyond being a nurse and cook, Harriet Tubman served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. Most notably, she led the Combahee River Raid, which resulted in the rescue of over 700 slaves.
Did Harriet Tubman have any children?
Harriet Tubman did not have any biological children. However, she was known to have adopted a baby girl named Gertie Davis and cared for several other children at her home for the aged.
What were the long-term effects of the head injury Harriet Tubman sustained?
The head injury caused Harriet Tubman to suffer from seizures, severe headaches, and narcoleptic episodes throughout her life, yet she never let these disabilities deter her efforts in fighting for freedom.
Where is Harriet Tubman buried?
Harriet Tubman is buried in Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, New York, with military honors due to her service during the Civil War.
Conclusion
Harriet Tubman’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, bravery, and moral conviction. Her unyielding dedication to freedom and equality not only changed the lives of those she directly aided but also left an indelible mark on the history of human rights in the United States.
Her legacy is celebrated and honored by all those who value justice and freedom, and she continues to be a guiding light for future generations fighting against oppression. Harriet Tubman remains one of America’s greatest heroes, a true American icon whose story encourages us to strive for a better and more equitable world.