Harriet Tubman Conductor On The Underground Railroad Pdf
Harriet Tubman Conductor On The Underground Railroad Pdf
Harriet Tubman was an African-American abolitionist and political activist who was born into slavery in Maryland around 1822. She became famous for her work as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, which was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the North. Tubman also served as a spy, nurse, and cook for the Union Army during the American Civil War. She died in 1913 at the age of 91.
Background
Tubman was born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland. She was the fifth of nine children born to enslaved parents. As a child, Tubman was hired out to various households to perform domestic work. She suffered a head injury at the age of 13 that caused her to have seizures and narcolepsy for the rest of her life. She married a free black man named John Tubman in 1844 and officially changed her name to Harriet Tubman.
The Underground Railroad
Tubman escaped from slavery in 1849 by fleeing to Philadelphia. Over the next decade, she made at least 13 missions to rescue about 70 enslaved families and friends using the Underground Railroad. She would guide the escapees by night, walking up to 20 miles at a time and hiding during the day. Tubman was known for her toughness and resilience, as well as her ability to navigate the dangerous terrain and evade slave catchers. She once said, "I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger."
Civil War
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Tubman saw an opportunity to serve the Union Army. She worked as a cook, nurse, and spy for the Union Army, using her knowledge of the land and the people to gather intelligence and plan raids. Tubman also helped recruit African-American soldiers for the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, which was one of the first black regiments in the Union Army. She was paid $200 for her service, which was less than what white soldiers received.
Later Years
After the war, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she continued to work for civil rights and women's suffrage. She helped found the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, which provided care for elderly African Americans. Tubman was also an active member of the Underground Railroad movement and spoke at suffrage conventions around the country. She died on March 10, 1913, at the age of 91. In 2020, it was announced that Tubman's portrait will replace that of Andrew Jackson on the front of the US $20 bill.
Conclusion
Harriet Tubman was a remarkable woman who overcame incredible obstacles to become a leader in the fight against slavery and for civil rights. Her work on the Underground Railroad saved countless lives, and her service to the Union Army helped secure the freedom of millions of people. Tubman's legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for justice and equality.
