Harriet Tubman | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 18, 2025

Who is Harriet Tubman?

Harriet Tubman, born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1822, became a crucial figure in the fight against slavery in the United States. After escaping to freedom in 1849, she quickly transformed into the most renowned "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that enabled enslaved individuals to reach freedom in the North. Throughout her life, Tubman undertook approximately 13 missions back to Maryland, leading family members and other enslaved people to freedom, often risking her life to do so. Her extraordinary courage and dedication earned her the nickname "Moses."

In addition to her work on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman played a significant role during the Civil War. She served as a spy, nurse, and cook for the Union Army, gaining immense respect for her leadership. Notably, she led the Combahee River Raid, which liberated over 700 enslaved people in South Carolina. After the war, she continued to assist impoverished former slaves, dedicating herself to campaigning for social justice and equality, which reflected her lifelong commitment to the cause of freedom. Her legacy has had a lasting impact, earning her recognition as one of the most iconic figures in American history.

Early Life and Education

Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Harriet Ross around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, was raised in an environment deeply entrenched in slavery. She was the daughter of enslaved parents, Harriet Green and Ben Ross, and was one of nine siblings. Tubman's early life was marked by hardship, witnessing the violence and brutality that came with enslavement. Her mother’s fierce spirit to keep the family together laid the foundation for Tubman's own resilience. Though her formal education was minimal—limited by the constraints of her enslaved status—Tubman developed a strong sense of survival and resourcefulness, which would later serve her in her quest for freedom.

From a young age, Tubman exhibited remarkable courage and determination. After enduring severe physical trauma during her adolescence, she began to experience intense dream states, which she often interpreted as spiritual visions. These experiences inspired a deep-seated faith that guided her throughout her life. Despite the grim realities of her youth, including the trauma of family separation and the threat of violence, Tubman managed to escape to freedom in 1849. Her educational experiences were shaped by the lessons learned in her challenging environment, preparing her for her pivotal role as a leader in the fight against slavery.

Harriet Tubman's Escape to Freedom

Born into slavery around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, Harriet Tubman faced a life fraught with violence and hardship. Her early experiences with brutalities inflicted upon her and her family ignited a fierce desire for freedom. In 1849, after a series of personal traumas including illness and the death of her owner, Tubman made the courageous decision to escape to the North. Utilizing the Underground Railroad, a covert network of safe houses and abolitionists, she traveled nearly 90 miles to Philadelphia, where she finally tasted the sweet relief of freedom. Upon crossing the border into Pennsylvania, she felt a profound transformation, as if she had transcended into a heavenly realm.

However, Harriet Tubman’s newfound freedom only fueled her resolve to rescue others from the horrors of slavery. Known as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, she undertook approximately 13 perilous missions back to Maryland, leading family members and friends to freedom. Despite the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law in 1850, which threatened former slaves in the North with capture and return, Tubman ingeniously rerouted her efforts to Canada, where slavery was strictly prohibited. She became a beacon of hope for countless enslaved individuals, earning the nickname "Moses" for her unwavering leadership and bravery. Tubman’s journey not only symbolized a personal quest for liberation but also laid the groundwork for her enduring legacy as an abolitionist and humanitarian.

Underground Railroad Conductor and War Efforts

Harriet Tubman emerged as a pivotal figure in American history when she became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a clandestine network aiding enslaved people in their quest for freedom. Following her own daring escape from slavery in 1849, Tubman dedicated herself to rescuing others, making approximately 13 trips back to Maryland. With remarkable bravery and strategic thinking, she guided around 70 fugitives, including family members, to safety in the North using various safe houses. Tubman’s efforts were fueled by her profound personal convictions, earning her the moniker "Moses" as countless individuals sought her guidance in their pursuit of freedom.

Her work did not cease with the end of the Underground Railroad; Tubman also played a significant role during the American Civil War. She served as a cook, nurse, and eventually an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. Tubman was notably the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war, commanding the Combahee River Raid that resulted in the liberation of over 700 enslaved people in South Carolina. Her dual efforts as both a conductor of the Underground Railroad and a leader during the war illustrate her unwavering commitment to fighting against slavery and her relentless pursuit of justice.

Husbands and Children

Harriet Tubman's personal life, particularly her marriages and children, reflects her complex journey as both a freedom fighter and a woman navigating the challenges of her time. In 1844, Harriet Tubman married John Tubman, a free Black man. However, little is known about their life together, as their relationship was overshadowed by the harsh realities of slavery. Despite the nature of their marriage, John did not join Harriet on her courageous journey to freedom, opting instead to remain in Maryland, where he later married another woman. Any potential children from this union would have faced the status of enslaved people, dictated by their mother’s status.

In 1869, Harriet found love again with Nelson Davis, a veteran of the Civil War, who became her devoted partner. Together, they adopted a young girl named Gertie in 1874, creating a family unit that would provide support as they navigated life after the war. Davis remained a steady presence in Harriet's life until his death in 1888. Afterward, Harriet continued to demonstrate her unwavering commitment to family and community, often inviting friends and relatives to stay at her home in Auburn, New York, where she had created a nurturing environment for those she loved.

Personal Life: Married Life and Family

Harriet Tubman's personal life was marked by both love and hardship. In 1844, she married John Tubman, a free Black man, but details about their relationship remain scarce. This marriage occurred in a complex context where many families included both free and enslaved members. After Tubman escaped to freedom, John chose to stay in Maryland and eventually remarried, leaving Tubman to navigate her journey alone. Any children born during this union would have been enslaved, as the mother's status determined the status of the offspring.

In 1869, Harriet Tubman married Nelson Davis, a Civil War veteran. Their life together was a testament to resilience, marked by their commitment to each other amid the socio-economic challenges of the post-war era. They adopted a baby girl named Gertie in 1874, further solidifying their family unit. Tubman’s home in Auburn, New York, became a sanctuary not just for her immediate family but also for others in need, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping those around her. Through her marriages and family dynamics, Tubman exemplified courage and compassion in an era fraught with racial injustice and personal struggle.

Net Worth and Earning: Financial Challenges

Harriet Tubman faced significant financial challenges throughout her life, even after achieving fame and recognition as a leading abolitionist. Despite her pivotal role in the Underground Railroad and her contributions during the Civil War, Tubman's economic situation never demonstrated the stability her efforts merited. Much of her income came from personal donations and the support of sympathetic acquaintances, with funds often raised through her biography, "Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman," written by Sarah H. Bradford. The proceeds from this book were vital in helping Tubman maintain her household and provide for her family, highlighting the precarious nature of her financial existence.

After the Civil War, Tubman acquired a small piece of land in Auburn, New York, from abolitionist Senator William H. Seward. This property became a sanctuary not only for her family but also for friends and other former enslaved people. While this land offered a semblance of security, Tubman continuously struggled financially. Despite her efforts to care for others and share her fortune, she frequently relied on the goodwill of her community. Her lasting legacy, however, goes beyond material wealth, epitomizing resilience against adversity and a commitment to civil rights.