Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman: Wanted Runaway Slave (www.wereldorientatie.net)

Nicknamed “Moses” of her time, Harriet Tubman earned a place as one of the nation's most famous historical figures (New York History Net, NYHN). Serving as an activist in the freedom of slaves and the Women’s Rights Movement, Tubman dedicated her life to fighting for freedom, equality, and helping 300 slaves escape the harsh realities of slavery in America.

Harriet Ross (later Harriet Tubman), originally named Araminta Ross, was born into slavery in Maryland around 1820. Harriet was one of 11 children. Harriet was often hired outside the plantation by others who lived nearby, but was allowed to return to her family. When Harriet was about 13, slavery became even harsher, and escape became much more desirable. Following the revolt of Nat Turner, whites became more fearful of what slaves could do, and life became much harder for them (History).

Harriet Tubman with a group of slaves she assiste (www.greece.k12.ny.us)

Following her dream of Freedom, and in fear of being sold to the South, Tubman escaped her life of slavery and made her way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the help of conductors from the Underground Railroad. Within a year, Tubman returned to her home in interest of freeing her relatives, and became a conductor of runaway slaves of the Underground Railroad. Tubman would appear on Saturday nights dressed as a man or an old woman. On Sunday mornings, she would lead the passengers to safety, knowing owners would not pursue on a Sunday. Although Tubman was a woman with a strong faith in God, and a heart filled with a strong desire to help these slaves escape their hardships, she had one rule: She was not afraid to shoot anyone that developed any sense of doubt or thoughts of turning back. Any doubt would become a threat to all of them in these extreme manners (NYHN).

Soon after Tubman’s work as a conductor began, Congress enacted the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. This law required all fugitive slaves be returned to their owners without a jury trial, and those caught helping slaves would be fined. Tubman, with a reward out for her capture (Davis), then began guiding passengers to a small town in Ontario, since slavery was outlawed in Canada. Once slaves crossed the border, they were free (NYHN).

Harriet Tubman (www.freedomarchives.org)

After her family had been rescued, along with many others through her efforts, Tubman later took a risk by settling in Auburn, New York, where she continued to dedicate her life to helping others. Here she worked closely with many “reform minded” individuals, such as John Brown, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Susan Anthony, working on women’s rights and other reform movements (History). Her life was spared when she fell ill during John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry. Although she had helped plan the attack, she was unable to participate in the raid due to the illness. Those involved were captured and murdered (NYHN).

Tubman continued her life of generosity. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse for sick and wounded soldiers. She also served as a spy, providing information to Union Missionaries. Following the war, Tubman spent time raising money for clothing and the schooling for newly freed poor children. Her efforts to continue to support the growth of women's rights continued until her death in 1913 (NYHN).

Growing up as a white female in a middle-class society, I cannot imagine the harsh life of slavery Tubman and others endured. Harriet Tubman’s life was dedicated to the movement of equality and freedom of slaves, and growth of women’s rights in America. Through her highly spiritual nature and desire to fight equality, Tubman led more than 300 slaves to safety and freedom, and was a strong supporter and activist in the women’s rights movement. Tubman demonstrated such a caring nature and value for others through her continuous acts of kindness, compassion, and willing to risk her life to help others in need. She continues to be honored and recognized today throughout the United States as one of the most heroic women in America’s History, and I will forever admire her for her bravery and caring nature for others.