Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery as Araminta Ross around 1822, escaped to freedom in 1849. She became the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. Leading enslaved people to freedom, she risked her life repeatedly, guiding them North.
Early Life and Enslavement
Born Araminta “Minty” Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1822, Harriet Tubman’s early life was marked by the harsh realities of enslavement. Her parents, Harriet Green and Ben Ross, were enslaved on different plantations, separating the family. From a young age, Minty endured physical abuse and back-breaking labor, experiencing firsthand the brutality of the system.
She worked as a domestic servant and field hand, facing constant hardship and witnessing the suffering of other enslaved people. A pivotal moment occurred in her childhood when she intervened to protect another enslaved person from being beaten, resulting in a severe head injury that caused lifelong seizures and visions.
Despite these challenges, Minty displayed remarkable resilience and a deep sense of compassion. She learned survival skills and absorbed knowledge from the natural world, which would later prove invaluable on her journeys to freedom. The knowledge that her brothers were about to be sold further fueled her desire to escape the bonds of slavery.
The injustices she experienced and the stories she heard from other enslaved people instilled in her a burning desire for freedom, not only for herself but for all those who were oppressed. Her early life shaped her into the courageous and determined leader she would become.
Escape to Freedom in 1849
In 1849, driven by the impending sale of her brothers and fueled by a lifelong yearning for liberation, Harriet Tubman resolved to escape slavery. She was approximately 27 years old when she made the courageous decision to flee Maryland’s Eastern Shore, embarking on a perilous journey toward Pennsylvania, a free state.
With the assistance of the Underground Railroad, a clandestine network of abolitionists and safe houses, Tubman navigated the treacherous landscape, relying on her knowledge of the terrain and her unwavering determination. The escape was fraught with danger, as slave catchers and patrols posed constant threats.
Traveling under the cover of darkness, she followed the North Star, utilizing her understanding of the stars and natural environment to guide her way. She sought refuge in sympathetic homes and relied on coded messages and signals to avoid detection. The journey tested her physical and mental endurance, but her resolve remained unshaken.
After weeks of arduous travel, Tubman finally reached Pennsylvania, tasting the sweetness of freedom for the first time. However, her newfound liberty did not diminish her concern for those left behind. Instead, it ignited a burning desire to return and help others escape the bonds of slavery. Her escape marked the beginning of her extraordinary journey as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
The Underground Railroad: Routes and Methods
The Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad, but a clandestine network of secret routes and safe houses established during the early to mid-19th century. Its purpose was to aid enslaved African Americans in escaping to freedom, primarily in the Northern states and Canada. The “railroad” was operated by abolitionists, both black and white, who provided shelter, food, and guidance to escaping slaves.
The routes were varied and constantly changing to avoid detection, often passing through dense forests, swamps, and across rivers. “Conductors” like Harriet Tubman, led groups of runaways from one safe house to another, using coded language and signals to communicate. “Stations” or safe houses were usually private homes, churches, or other buildings where fugitives could rest and receive assistance.
The methods employed were diverse and ingenious. Escaping slaves often traveled at night, following the North Star for direction. They utilized disguises, false identities, and forged documents to evade capture. Abolitionists provided financial support, legal assistance, and medical care to those fleeing slavery.
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 increased the risks involved, as it imposed harsh penalties on anyone caught aiding runaway slaves. Despite these dangers, the Underground Railroad continued to operate, providing hope and freedom to thousands of enslaved people.
Tubman’s Role as a Conductor: Leading Enslaved People to Freedom
Harriet Tubman, renowned as the “Moses of her people,” played a pivotal role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. After her own daring escape to freedom in 1849, she dedicated her life to helping others escape the bonds of slavery. With unwavering courage and determination, she embarked on numerous perilous journeys back to the South, guiding enslaved people to freedom in the North.
Tubman’s leadership was characterized by her meticulous planning, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of the risks involved. She carefully selected routes, established safe houses, and developed a network of trusted allies who provided assistance along the way. Her knowledge of the terrain, combined with her ability to read people and anticipate danger, made her an exceptional conductor.
She was known for her strict discipline and unwavering commitment to the safety of those she led. She carried a pistol for protection and was prepared to use it if necessary, famously stating that she would rather kill someone than allow them to be captured and returned to slavery.
Tubman’s courage and selflessness inspired countless individuals to take the risk of escaping to freedom. She became a symbol of hope and resistance, demonstrating the power of one person to make a difference in the fight against injustice.
Number of People Freed and Trips Made
Harriet Tubman’s relentless dedication to liberating enslaved people is reflected in the remarkable number of individuals she guided to freedom and the numerous perilous journeys she undertook. Over a period of approximately ten years, Tubman made an estimated 19 trips back to the South, risking her own life each time to lead others to liberty.
While the exact number of people she freed remains a subject of historical debate, it is widely accepted that Tubman helped approximately 70 enslaved African Americans directly. However, some estimates suggest that she assisted over 300 people to escape slavery. This number includes family members and friends of those she initially led to freedom, as well as others who joined her “train” along the way.
Her efforts resulted in the liberation of a significant number of individuals from bondage. The impact of her actions extended far beyond the immediate freedom of those she helped. Each successful escape inspired hope and emboldened others to seek their own path to liberation.
Tubman’s bravery and unwavering commitment to freedom made her a legend in her own time.
Ann Petry’s Biography: “Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad”
Ann Petry’s “Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad,” published in 1955, is a seminal biography that brings to life the extraordinary story of the famed abolitionist. This meticulously researched and vividly written account chronicles Tubman’s life from her birth into slavery on a Maryland plantation to her death as a free woman in New York.
Petry’s biography offers readers a compelling narrative of Tubman’s early years, detailing the hardships and brutality she endured as a slave. It vividly portrays her courageous escape to freedom in 1849 and her subsequent transformation into a leading conductor on the Underground Railroad.
The book highlights Tubman’s unwavering determination, intelligence, and resourcefulness in guiding enslaved people to freedom. Petry’s work showcases Tubman’s deep spiritual convictions and her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
“Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad” is a powerful and inspiring biography that has introduced generations of readers to the remarkable life and legacy of Harriet Tubman. It remains a valuable resource for understanding the history of slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the courageous individuals who fought for freedom and equality.
Tubman’s Intelligence and Strategies
Harriet Tubman’s success as a conductor on the Underground Railroad was not solely due to bravery, but also to her sharp intelligence and strategic planning. She carefully studied the landscape, utilizing her knowledge of the terrain, waterways, and safe houses to navigate the perilous journeys. Her acute awareness of the movements of slave patrols and bounty hunters allowed her to evade capture and ensure the safety of those she led.
Tubman employed various tactics to maintain secrecy and discipline among the escapees. She used disguises, codes, and signals to communicate with her network of supporters. She also carried a pistol, not to harm slaveholders, but to ensure that no one turned back, jeopardizing the mission. Tubman understood the importance of maintaining morale and instilling confidence in those she guided.
She possessed an uncanny ability to read people and situations, allowing her to make quick decisions under pressure. Tubman’s strategic brilliance extended beyond the Underground Railroad, as she later applied her skills to lead the Combahee Ferry Raid during the Civil War, freeing over 700 enslaved people. Her intelligence and strategic acumen made her an exceptional leader and a formidable force against slavery.
Later Life and Legacy: Abolitionist, Suffragist, and Philanthropist
Following her courageous work on the Underground Railroad and during the Civil War, Harriet Tubman continued to dedicate her life to serving others and advocating for equality. She became an active participant in the women’s suffrage movement, recognizing the importance of securing voting rights for all women. Tubman worked alongside prominent suffragists, sharing her personal experiences and inspiring others to fight for their rights.
Beyond her activism, Tubman was a committed philanthropist, always seeking to improve the lives of those in need. She established the Home for the Aged and Indigent Negroes in Auburn, New York, providing a safe and supportive environment for elderly and impoverished African Americans. Her generosity and compassion extended to all, regardless of race or background.
Tubman’s legacy as an abolitionist, suffragist, and philanthropist continues to inspire generations. She is remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her tireless efforts to end slavery and promote equality have left an indelible mark on American history, solidifying her place as one of the nation’s most revered heroes. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of one person to make a difference in the world.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, located in Auburn, New York, stands as a testament to her extraordinary life and legacy. Established to preserve and interpret the places most closely associated with Tubman, the park offers visitors a chance to connect with her story on a deeply personal level. The park encompasses several key sites, including her home, where she spent her final years caring for family and community members.
Visitors can explore the Thompson A.M.E. Zion Church, where Tubman worshipped and actively participated in church activities. The church served as a hub for abolitionist meetings and community gatherings. The park also includes the Fort Hill Cemetery, the final resting place.
Through exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park brings her remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to justice to life. It serves as a reminder of the power of courage, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. The park ensures that future generations will continue to learn from her example and be inspired to fight for a more just and equitable world.