Harriet Tubman Biography – Explore the life of Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist and political activist. Learn about her early life, family, contributions to history, notable quotes, and enduring legacy.
Harriet Tubman stands as one of the most revered figures in American history. Born into slavery, she escaped and led numerous missions to rescue enslaved people via the Underground Railroad. Her unwavering courage and dedication to freedom have made her an enduring symbol of resilience and justice.
Harriet Tubman Biography: Personal Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Araminta Ross (later changed to Harriet Tubman) |
| Date of Birth | March 1822 |
| Place of Birth | Dorchester County, Maryland, USA |
| Date of Death | March 10, 1913 |
| Age at Death | Approximately 91 years |
| Parents | Harriet “Rit” Green Ross and Benjamin Ross |
| Spouses | John Tubman (m. 1844–1851), Nelson Davis (m. 1869–1888) |
| Children | Adopted a daughter named Gertie |
| Occupation | Abolitionist, Political Activist, Union Spy, Nurse |
| Notable For | Leading enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad; serving as a spy and nurse during the Civil War |
| Net Worth | While she had no formal wealth, her legacy is priceless |
Key Takeaways
Early Life: Born Araminta Ross in March 1822 in Maryland, Tubman was one of nine children in an enslaved family.
Escape from Slavery: In 1849, she escaped to Philadelphia and subsequently led multiple missions to rescue enslaved individuals.
Underground Railroad: Tubman utilized the Underground Railroad to guide approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom.
Civil War Contributions: Served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War.
Legacy: Passed away on March 10, 1913, leaving a lasting impact as a symbol of courage and freedom.
Early Life and Family
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross in March 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. She was the daughter of Harriet “Rit” Green Ross and Benjamin Ross and was one of nine children. The Ross family endured the harsh realities of slavery, with several of Tubman’s siblings being sold to distant plantations, fracturing the family unit.
As a child, Tubman was hired out to various masters, experiencing severe physical abuse. Around the age of 12, she suffered a traumatic head injury when an overseer threw a heavy object at another slave, hitting her instead. This injury led to lifelong health issues, including severe headaches and narcolepsy.
Escape from Slavery
In 1844, Araminta married John Tubman, a free Black man, and changed her name to Harriet Tubman. Despite her marriage, she remained enslaved. In 1849, fearing she would be sold, Tubman escaped to Philadelphia, leaving her husband and family behind. This journey marked the beginning of her lifelong commitment to abolition.
The Underground Railroad
After gaining her freedom, Tubman made it her mission to rescue her family and others from slavery. Over a decade, she conducted approximately 13 missions to the South, guiding around 70 enslaved individuals to freedom via the Underground Railroad—a secret network of safe houses and routes. Her efforts earned her the nickname “Moses” for leading her people to freedom.
Tubman’s intimate knowledge of covert travel routes and her unwavering determination made her a formidable force against the institution of slavery. Despite the immense danger, she never lost a “passenger” on her missions.
Civil War Contributions
During the American Civil War, Tubman served the Union Army in various capacities. She worked as a cook and nurse, providing care to soldiers and newly liberated slaves. Her most notable contribution was serving as an armed scout and spy. In 1863, she led the Combahee River Raid, which resulted in the liberation of more than 700 enslaved people. This operation solidified her legacy as a pioneering military leader.
Later Life and Legacy
After the war, Harriet Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, on land she had purchased in 1859. Despite her incredible contributions, she struggled financially for much of her later life. The U.S. government was slow to compensate her for her wartime service, and she relied on donations and the support of her friends and admirers.
In 1869, Tubman married Nelson Davis, a Civil War veteran who was more than 20 years her junior. Together, they adopted a daughter named Gertie. Although Tubman remained active in humanitarian efforts, advocating for former slaves and the elderly, she faced significant financial difficulties.
She continued her activism by supporting the women’s suffrage movement, working alongside well-known figures like Susan B. Anthony. Tubman spoke publicly about the importance of women’s rights, drawing on her own experiences as a formerly enslaved woman who had defied the odds to achieve freedom and fight for justice.
In 1896, she established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, a retirement home for elderly African Americans. The institution provided care and shelter to those in need, embodying Tubman’s lifelong commitment to helping others.
Tubman’s health began to decline in her later years due to complications from the head injury she sustained in her youth. By 1911, she had to be admitted to the very home she had founded. She passed away on March 10, 1913, at approximately 91 years old.
Harriet Tubman’s Famous Quotes
Harriet Tubman left behind a legacy of resilience and courage. Some of her most famous quotes continue to inspire people today:
- “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.”
- “I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say—I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.”
- “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”
- “If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there’s shouting after you, keep going. Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.”
Facts About Harriet Tubman
- She was born into slavery and given the name Araminta Ross before changing it to Harriet.
- She suffered a severe head injury as a child, which led to lifelong health issues.
- She made over a dozen trips to rescue enslaved people and never lost a single person.
- She worked as a Union spy and scout during the Civil War, leading a military raid that freed more than 700 slaves.
- She was an advocate for women’s rights, working alongside Susan B. Anthony to support the women’s suffrage movement.
- She was the first Black woman to be honored on U.S. currency, with plans for her face to appear on the $20 bill.
Conclusion
Harriet Tubman’s life was one of extraordinary bravery and resilience. From escaping slavery to rescuing others through the Underground Railroad, serving in the Civil War, and fighting for human rights, she dedicated her life to justice. Her impact remains undeniable, and she continues to inspire generations. Tubman’s legacy as a leader, activist, and humanitarian will forever be remembered.
FAQs
1. What was Harriet Tubman famous for?
Harriet Tubman was famous for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom. She was also a spy, nurse, and advocate for human rights.
2. Did Harriet Tubman have children?
She and her second husband, Nelson Davis, adopted a daughter named Gertie.
3. How many slaves did Harriet Tubman free?
She personally led around 70 enslaved people to freedom and provided guidance to many more.
4. Did Harriet Tubman receive a military pension?
She struggled for years to receive compensation for her military service, and she was eventually granted a small pension, but it was far less than she deserved.
5. Where is Harriet Tubman buried?
She was buried at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, New York.
