Harriet Tubman is celebrated as one of America’s most courageous figures, known for her remarkable achievements in escaping slavery, rescuing her family, leading military operations, and advocating for women’s suffrage. Born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, in the early 1820s, Tubman, affectionately called Minty, was the fifth of nine children born into the harsh realities of chattel slavery.
Minty’s early life was fraught with hardship. Two of her older sisters were sold to a chain gang, and she herself was hired out to various owners who subjected her to severe punishment. A pivotal moment occurred when an overseer, aiming for a fugitive enslaved person, accidentally struck Minty with a two-pound weight. This injury led to lifelong narcoleptic episodes, which ironically saved her from being sold, as no buyer wanted an enslaved person prone to sleeping spells.
Working alongside her father, Ben Ross, Minty learned the lumber trade, which not only increased her physical strength but also connected her with free black sailors. These sailors shared crucial information about secret communications along trade routes, knowledge that would later aid her in her quest for freedom.
In 1844, Minty married John Tubman, a free black man, and adopted her mother’s name, Harriet. When her owner died in 1849, Harriet feared being sold away from her loved ones. She had heard whispers of the “Underground Railroad,” a clandestine network of safe havens for escaping enslaved people. Determined to secure her freedom, Harriet fled to Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1849, guided by the North Star.
Harriet Tubman became known as “Black Moses” for her relentless efforts to lead others to freedom. She returned to the South 13 times, rescuing her niece, brothers, parents, and many others. Her work with fellow abolitionists helped countless enslaved individuals escape to the North and later to Canada.
During the Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army. In 1863, she made history as the first woman to plan and lead a military raid in the United States, freeing nearly 700 enslaved individuals in South Carolina. Despite the abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment, Tubman continued her advocacy, raising funds for formerly enslaved people and supporting the establishment of schools and hospitals.
In her later years, Tubman became a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement. In 1888, she intensified her efforts for women’s voting rights and participated in the founding convention of the National Association of Colored Women in 1896. At a suffrage meeting in Rochester, New York, she famously declared, “I was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and I can say what many others cannot. I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.”
Harriet Tubman’s contributions were eventually recognized with a veteran’s pension for her service in the Union Army, granted in 1899. In a symbolic gesture, the United States Treasury announced in 2016 that Tubman’s image would appear on a redesigned twenty-dollar bill. Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to freedom and equality. Her final words, “I go away to prepare a place for you,” continue to resonate as a testament to her enduring spirit.
Using the information from the article, create a timeline of Harriet Tubman’s life. Include key events such as her birth, escape from slavery, work with the Underground Railroad, military service, and advocacy for women’s rights. Illustrate your timeline with drawings or images to make it visually engaging.
In groups, reenact significant moments from Harriet Tubman’s life. Assign roles such as Harriet, her family members, abolitionists, and Union soldiers. Perform short skits that highlight her bravery and contributions. This will help you understand the challenges she faced and the impact of her actions.
Choose a specific aspect of Harriet Tubman’s life, such as her work with the Underground Railroad or her role in the Civil War. Conduct additional research and create a presentation to share with the class. Include facts, images, and any interesting stories you discover.
Write a letter to Harriet Tubman, expressing your admiration for her courage and dedication. Mention specific events from her life that inspire you and explain why. This activity will help you connect personally with her story and reflect on her legacy.
Create a poster that celebrates Harriet Tubman’s life and achievements. Use quotes, images, and key facts from the article. Display your poster in the classroom to educate others about her contributions to freedom and equality.
Harriet Tubman – Harriet Tubman was an African American woman who escaped slavery and helped many others gain their freedom through the Underground Railroad. – Harriet Tubman bravely led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom, becoming a hero in American history.
Freedom – Freedom is the state of being free, where individuals have the right to make their own choices and live without oppression. – The Declaration of Independence states that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which are essential aspects of freedom.
Underground Railroad – The Underground Railroad was a secret network of people and places that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom in the 19th century. – Many brave conductors on the Underground Railroad risked their lives to guide escaping slaves to safe houses.
Railroad – A railroad is a system of tracks on which trains run, often used for transporting goods and people. – The expansion of the railroad in the 1800s helped connect different parts of the country and played a significant role in American history.
Slavery – Slavery is a system in which people are owned by others and forced to work without pay. – The abolition of slavery in the United States was a major milestone in the fight for human rights.
Suffrage – Suffrage is the right to vote in political elections. – The women’s suffrage movement fought hard for women to gain the right to vote, which they achieved in 1920.
Abolitionists – Abolitionists were people who worked to end slavery and promote the rights of enslaved individuals. – Many abolitionists, like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, played crucial roles in the fight against slavery.
Civil Rights – Civil rights are the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. – The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s aimed to end racial discrimination and secure equal rights for all Americans.
