Harriet Tubman, a name synonymous with courage, resilience, and the fight for freedom, left an indelible mark on American history. Born Araminta Ross, she transformed into the iconic Harriet Tubman. Let’s delve into her extraordinary life through ten captivating facts that unveil the depth of her remarkable journey.
Fact 1: The Birth and the Name
Harriet Tubman came into this world as Araminta Ross, but she would later adopt the name “Harriet” in honor of her mother, Harriet Ross. The surname “Tubman” entered her life when she married John Tubman in 1844.
Fact 2: The Enigmatic Eastern Shore
Harriet was born into the harsh reality of slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In this region, the boundaries between freedom and bondage are often blurred. Families here could comprise both free and enslaved members.
Even Harriet’s husband, John Tubman, was a free black man. However, her own status remained unaltered until her daring escape to Pennsylvania in 1849, a free state. Regrettably, John Tubman did not accompany her on this journey and would later remarry.
Fact 3: The Return for Rescues
Harriet Tubman’s resolve to defy slavery didn’t end with her own escape. Over the next decade, she embarked on numerous perilous trips back to Maryland to liberate both family and non-family members from the shackles of slavery.
Fact 4: The Moses of Her People
Harriet Tubman earned the awe-inspiring nickname “Moses” in reference to the biblical prophet who led his people to freedom. In all her journeys on the Underground Railroad, she achieved an astonishing feat – “never losing a single passenger.”
Fact 5: The Constant Threat
Tubman’s courageous work came at an immense personal cost. Slaveholders placed bounties on her capture, making her a prime target. Moreover, the ominous Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 loomed large, imposing severe penalties on anyone who aided a slave’s escape.
Fact 6: A Woman of Many Talents
Harriet Tubman wore many hats in her lifetime. Not only was she a staunch advocate for women’s suffrage, but she also stood shoulder to shoulder-with renowned suffragist Susan B. Anthony. During the Civil War, Tubman furthered her contributions by working for the Union Army as a cook, nurse, and even a spy.
Fact 7: The Circle of Abolitionists
Tubman was well-acquainted with the leading abolitionists of her era. She shared conversations and ideas with John Brown, who sought her guidance, even referring to her as “General Tubman,” regarding his plans for the infamous Harpers Ferry raid.
Fact 8: Motherhood and Adoption
Harriet Tubman had one biological child, Gertie, but her maternal instincts extended far beyond blood ties. She and her second husband, Nelson Davis, adopted Gertie after the Civil War.
Fact 9: The Head Injury and Divine Visions
Tubman’s life was marked by adversity. As a teenager, she suffered a traumatic head injury while standing up for a fellow fieldhand. This incident left her with lifelong headaches, seizures, and vivid dreams. She believed these visions were divine and credited them with guiding her on numerous treacherous journeys northward, leading enslaved individuals to freedom.
Fact 10: The Final Farewell
Just before her passing in 1913, Harriet Tubman shared poignant words with her friends and family, saying, “I go to prepare a place for you.” She received a burial with military honors, a fitting tribute to her extraordinary life, in Fort Hill Cemetery, New York.
Bonus Fact: A Tribute on Currency
In 2016, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a historic tribute to Harriet Tubman. Her countenance is set to grace the new $20 bill, forever commemorating her enduring legacy.
Harriet Tubman’s life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering determination to fight for justice and freedom. Her story continues to inspire generations, reminding us all of the power of resilience and the pursuit of a more just world.
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