Harriet Tubman

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Have you ever imagined what it would be like to escape slavery but go back to help your family escape under great danger? That is exactly what Harriet Tubman did. Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County, Maryland. We do not know when exactly Harriet was born, but many historians think that she was born sometime in March, 1822. Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery in the South to become a leading abolitionist before the Civil War. She returned to the South many times to rescue family members and others from the plantation system. Also, Tubman led hundreds to freedom in the North as the most famous "conductor" on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad is an elaborate secret network of safe houses organized for escape from slavery.

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Early life. When Harriet was born, her name was Araminta Ross. She had four younger siblings, Ben, Rachel, Henry and Moses. She also had four older siblings, Linah, Mariah, Soph and Robert. Physical violence was a part of daily life for Tubman and her family. The violence she suffered early in life caused permanent physical injuries. Harriet later described a particular day when she was lashed 5 times before breakfast. She carried the scars for the rest of her life. In 1844, Harriet married a free black man named John Tubman. Araminta (Harriet) changed her name to Harriet around the time of their marriage to Harriet, possibly to honor her mother.

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Escaping Slavery. Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in 1849, fleeing to Pennsylvania. She initially left with her two brothers, Harry and Ben. Once they had left, her brothers had second thoughts and returned to their plantations. Harriet then traveled alone to Pennsylvania. Harriet made use of a system called the Underground Railroad to travel nearly 90 miles north to Philadelphia. When Tubman passed into the free state of Pennsylvania, she said "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." Rather than staying in the safety of the North, she went back to the South to save the rest of her family from the plantations. Over time, she was able to guide her parents, her siblings, and 60 others to Pennsylvania.

Why she is my Hero. Harriet Tubman died in March 10th, 1913. Harriet Tubman is my hero because she showed bravery in helping others. Instead of staying in the north and doing nothing, she went back to help her family members. This shows great bravery in someone who is doing what's right. She has impacted me because... maybe there still would be slavery if Harriet wasn't alive. She was an amazing person who did what was right and is a great leader. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman once said.