Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman
source
Name	Harriet Tubman
Birth date	circa 1822
Birth place	Dorchester County, Maryland
Death date	March 10, 1913
Death place	Auburn, New York

Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist and former slave who escaped to freedom in the Northern United States and helped hundreds of other enslaved individuals escape through the Underground Railroad. Born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, she was influenced by prominent abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and William Still. Her experiences and interactions with notable figures like John Brown and Ralph Waldo Emerson shaped her views on slavery and equality. She also drew inspiration from the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln and the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.

Early Life and Enslavement

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, where she was raised by her parents, Harriet Green and Ben Ross. She was influenced by her African American heritage and the Christianity practiced by her family, which was rooted in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her early life was marked by the harsh realities of slavery, including physical abuse and the separation of her family members, which was a common practice in the Southern United States. She was also exposed to the Quakers, who were known for their abolitionist views, and the Society of Friends, which played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. The Treaty of Paris and the Northwest Ordinance also had an impact on her life, as they shaped the border between the Northern United States and the Southern United States.

Escape and Abolitionist Work

In 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom in the Northern United States, settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she became involved with the Pennsylvania Abolition Society and the American Anti-Slavery Society. She worked closely with prominent abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison and Lucretia Mott, and was influenced by the Women's Loyal National League and the National Woman Suffrage Association. Her experiences as a conductor on the Underground Railroad took her through various states, including Delaware, Maryland, and New York, where she encountered notable figures like Sojourner Truth and Susan B. Anthony. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act also played a significant role in her work, as they affected the lives of African Americans and abolitionists.

Military Service and Later Life

During the American Civil War, Harriet Tubman worked as a cook, nurse, and spy for the Union Army, serving under Colonel James Montgomery and General Benjamin Butler. She played a crucial role in the Combahee River Raid, which was led by Colonel James Montgomery and supported by the 2nd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry. Her military service took her to various battles, including the Battle of Fort Wagner and the Siege of Charleston, where she worked alongside notable figures like Clara Barton and Dorothea Dix. After the war, she settled in Auburn, New York, where she continued to advocate for women's suffrage and civil rights, working with organizations like the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and the NAACP.

Legacy and Honors

Harriet Tubman's legacy as an abolitionist and civil rights activist has been recognized through various honors and tributes, including the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. She has been commemorated on a United States postage stamp and has been inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame. Her life and work have also been recognized by the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which were awarded to her posthumously. The Harriet Tubman Museum and the African American Museum in Washington, D.C. also showcase her life and legacy, highlighting her contributions to American history and civil rights.

Personal Life and Death

Harriet Tubman married John Tubman in 1844, but the marriage was not recognized as legal due to her enslaved status. After her escape to freedom, she married Nelson Davis in 1869, and the couple adopted a baby girl named Gertie Davis. She died on March 10, 1913, in Auburn, New York, and was buried with military honors in Fort Hill Cemetery. Her funeral was attended by notable figures like Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell, and she was eulogized by the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The Harriet Tubman Home and the Thompson AME Zion Church also serve as a testament to her life and legacy, highlighting her contributions to American history and civil rights. Category:American abolitionists