Harriet Tubman: The Unyielding "Moses" of the Underground Railroad
Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross in 1822, is one of the most celebrated figures in American history, revered for her fearless efforts to lead enslaved individuals to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Born into slavery on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Tubman’s early life was marked by hardship and suffering. At just 13 years old, she suffered a severe head injury when an overseer threw a weight at another enslaved person, a blow that left her with lifelong health issues, including seizures. Despite the physical and mental toll, Tubman’s determination to be free never wavered.
In 1849, after hearing that she was to be sold, Tubman fled to Philadelphia, and she soon found work and began saving money. But she wasn’t content to enjoy her newfound freedom alone. A year later, she returned to Maryland and led her family to freedom, and over the next decade, she made 13 dangerous trips back to the South to rescue other enslaved people, helping more than 300 individuals escape to freedom. Tubman’s resourcefulness was key to her success. She used the natural world, including the stars, to navigate, and she relied on secret communication networks of both free and enslaved African Americans.
Tubman’s work in the Underground Railroad earned her the nickname “Moses,” a fitting tribute to her role as a leader of those seeking liberation. Unlike many other conductors on the Underground Railroad, Tubman was known for never losing a single person she helped escape. Her resilience and ingenuity were unmatched, and she often employed tactics such as traveling at night and using a gun to ensure the safety of her passengers. Even after years of danger, she never faltered in her commitment to freedom. She famously stated, “You’ll be free or die” to those who considered turning back.
In addition to her work with the Underground Railroad, Tubman played an instrumental role in the Civil War. After the war broke out, she served the Union Army as a spy, scout, nurse, and cook. She provided invaluable intelligence to Union generals, and in 1863, she led the Combahee River Raid, freeing over 700 enslaved individuals and weakening the Confederate economy. Tubman’s work during the war cemented her reputation as an American hero, but her commitment to justice didn’t end with the abolition of slavery.
Following the war, Tubman continued to fight for civil rights, advocating for women's suffrage and establishing the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, where she spent her final years. Despite enduring physical pain from her injuries and the struggles of living in poverty, Tubman’s spirit remained indomitable. She passed away in 1913, leaving behind a legacy of courage, selflessness, and an unwavering fight for justice and equality.
Harriet Tubman’s contributions to the abolition of slavery, her leadership in the Underground Railroad, and her work during the Civil War make her one of the most remarkable figures in American history. Her relentless pursuit of freedom, her compassion for others, and her dedication to fighting injustice continue to inspire generations of people who are dedicated to making the world a better place for all. Harriet Tubman will always be remembered as one of the greatest heroes of the American struggle for freedom.
