Harriet Tubman, a fearless conductor on the Underground Railroad, led hundreds to freedom, embodying courage and resilience. Ann Petry’s biography vividly captures her journey and unwavering dedication.
Overview of Harriet Tubman’s Role
Harriet Tubman, known as the “Moses of Her People,” was a pivotal figure in the Underground Railroad, leading hundreds of enslaved individuals to freedom. Her role as a conductor involved guiding escapees through treacherous terrain, using coded messages and natural landmarks like the North Star. Tubman’s bravery and strategic thinking made her one of the most successful conductors, earning her both admiration and fear. Beyond her work on the Railroad, she served as a nurse and scout for the Union Army during the Civil War, further cementing her legacy as a champion of freedom and justice.
Significance of the Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a vital network enabling enslaved individuals to escape to freedom in the 19th century. It consisted of secret routes, safe houses, and abolitionist allies, providing a lifeline for thousands fleeing slavery. The Railroad’s significance lies in its role as a symbol of resistance and hope, challenging the institution of slavery. It operated covertly, relying on coded messages, songs, and signals to evade capture. Despite the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which heightened risks, the Railroad persisted, aiding an estimated 100,000 people in their quest for freedom. Its legacy endures as a testament to the fight for equality and justice.
Early Life and Slavery
Born into slavery in Maryland, Harriet Tubman endured a harsh childhood, hired out to various masters, facing cruel conditions that shaped her resilience and determination.
Birth and Childhood in Maryland
Born around 1820 in Dorchester County, Maryland, Harriet Tubman, originally Araminta Ross, grew up in a harsh environment of slavery. Her early life was marked by physical abuse and forced labor. As a child, she was hired out to nearby plantations, enduring brutal conditions that shaped her resilience; Her parents, enslaved Africans, instilled in her a strong sense of survival and determination. The sale of her siblings to distant plantations deepened her understanding of slavery’s cruelty. These experiences fueled her desire for freedom and laid the foundation for her future role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Experiences as an Enslaved Person
Harriet Tubman endured a brutal childhood as an enslaved person in Maryland. She was frequently hired out to neighboring plantations, where she faced physical abuse and relentless labor. At a young age, she suffered a severe head injury when an overseer threw a heavy object at another slave, hitting her instead. This injury caused lifelong health issues, including seizures and headaches. Despite these hardships, Harriet’s resolve strengthened, and she became determined to escape. The sale of her siblings to distant plantations further deepened her understanding of slavery’s cruelty, fueling her desire for freedom and her eventual role as a conductor.
Escape to Freedom
Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in Maryland in 1849, using the North Star to navigate her perilous journey to freedom in Pennsylvania.
The Decision to Escape
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery in Maryland, endured harsh conditions and the sale of her siblings, fueling her determination to escape. Learning about the Underground Railroad and the North Star’s guidance, she resolved to flee, driven by the desire for freedom and an end to oppression.
The Journey to Pennsylvania
Harriet Tubman’s escape to Pennsylvania was a perilous 90-mile journey, relying on the North Star for navigation. Traveling at night and hiding by day, she faced constant danger, yet her resolve never wavered. Upon reaching Philadelphia, she experienced freedom, but her journey didn’t end there—she vowed to return and help others escape, becoming a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Role as a Conductor
Harriet Tubman, a fearless conductor, led hundreds of enslaved individuals to freedom, using the North Star and secret signals to navigate the treacherous journey.
Methods and Strategies
Harriet Tubman employed meticulous methods to guide fugitives to freedom. She traveled at night, using the North Star for navigation and imitating animal calls for communication. Disguises and a revolver were her tools for protection. Her strategies included avoiding detection by slave catchers and utilizing a network of trusted allies and safe houses. Tubman’s resourcefulness and bravery ensured the success of her missions, solidifying her legacy as a fearless conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Network of Allies and Safe Houses
Harriet Tubman relied on a clandestine network of allies and safe houses to facilitate escapes. These included abolitionists, free black communities, and sympathetic whites who provided shelter and resources. Known as “stations” on the Underground Railroad, these locations offered refuge for fugitives. Tubman often traveled between Maryland and Canada, utilizing trusted contacts to ensure safe passage. The network’s secrecy and coordination were crucial, as betrayal could mean capture or death. Her ability to build and maintain this network underscored her resourcefulness and trustworthiness, enabling her to lead hundreds to freedom with precision and care.
Number of People Escorted to Freedom
Harriet Tubman is estimated to have escorted approximately 70 to 80 enslaved individuals to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She made around 13 daring trips back to Maryland, risking her life each time. Her success earned her the nickname “Moses” for leading her people to freedom. Tubman’s precise methods and knowledge of the network ensured the safe passage of those she guided. Her unwavering determination and bravery allowed her to help more people escape than many other conductors. This remarkable feat solidified her legacy as one of the most courageous figures in the history of the Underground Railroad.
Challenges and Risks
Harriet Tubman faced immense challenges, including the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, constant dangers during missions, and recent controversies over her historical recognition.
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 intensified the risks for Harriet Tubman and other abolitionists. It mandated the capture of escaped slaves and imposed harsh penalties on those aiding them. This law forced Tubman to operate with greater caution, relying on secret networks and coded messages to avoid detection. The Act also increased the danger for enslaved individuals seeking freedom, as it required citizens to assist in capturing fugitives. Despite these challenges, Tubman continued her missions, demonstrating unwavering resolve in the face of heightened risks. The Act became a pivotal obstacle in her fight for freedom and justice.
Dangers Faced During Missions
Harriet Tubman faced immense dangers while conducting missions on the Underground Railroad. She risked capture, imprisonment, and death, as bounty hunters and slave catchers pursued her relentlessly. Traveling at night and using coded messages, she navigated treacherous terrain to avoid detection. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 heightened these risks, making her work even more perilous. Despite these challenges, Tubman remained undeterred, relying on her knowledge of the land and her network of allies to guide hundreds to freedom. Her bravery in the face of constant threats underscored her unwavering commitment to liberating enslaved individuals and fighting for justice.
Civil War Era
Harriet Tubman played a pivotal role during the Civil War, serving as a nurse and scout for the Union Army, aiding soldiers and freeing enslaved individuals.
Service as a Nurse and Scout
During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman served as a nurse and scout for the Union Army, providing medical care to soldiers and gathering crucial intelligence. She utilized her knowledge of Southern landscapes to guide Union forces, aiding in the liberation of enslaved individuals. Her bravery and resourcefulness were instrumental in supporting the Union’s efforts, further cementing her legacy as a freedom fighter and patriot. Tubman’s contributions during this era showcased her multifaceted role in the fight for freedom and justice, extending beyond her work on the Underground Railroad.
Contribution to the Union Army
Harriet Tubman played a pivotal role in the Union Army during the Civil War, providing critical intelligence and guiding military operations. She became the first woman to lead a U.S. military expedition, orchestrating the Combahee River Raid in 1863, which liberated hundreds of enslaved individuals. Her deep knowledge of Southern terrain and networks proved invaluable, aiding Union forces in strategic missions. Tubman’s contributions not only supported the Union’s military objectives but also symbolized her unwavering commitment to freedom and justice, further solidifying her historical significance as a leader and a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Later Life and Legacy
Harriet Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, continuing her activism. She remained a symbol of freedom and resilience, inspiring future generations with her remarkable legacy.
Settlement in Auburn, New York
After the Civil War, Harriet Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she purchased land and built a home. She married Nelson Davis, a former slave, and adopted a baby girl. Tubman became a respected community leader, advocating for women’s rights and racial equality. Her home served as a refuge for the elderly and needy. Despite financial struggles, she remained dedicated to her community. In her later years, Tubman’s health declined, and she passed away in 1913, buried with military honors in Auburn. Her legacy as a freedom fighter and humanitarian endures, inspiring generations to fight for justice.
Continued Activism and Legacy
Harriet Tubman remained a tireless advocate for justice and equality throughout her life. She actively supported the women’s suffrage movement and worked closely with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Tubman’s legacy as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her contributions to the Union Army solidified her status as a national hero. Her story, as detailed in Ann Petry’s biography, continues to inspire generations. Today, Tubman’s life is celebrated through numerous tributes, including her planned depiction on the U.S. $20 bill and the preservation of her home in Auburn, New York, as a historic site.
The Book by Ann Petry
Ann Petry’s biography of Harriet Tubman is a New York Times Outstanding Book, offering a vivid portrayal of Tubman’s escape, her role as a conductor, and her Civil War contributions.
Overview of the Biography
Ann Petry’s biography of Harriet Tubman offers a detailed and immersive account of Tubman’s life, from her enslaved childhood to her daring escape and role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The book vividly portrays her courage, resilience, and dedication to freeing others, while also highlighting her later contributions as a nurse and scout during the Civil War. Petry’s narrative style engages readers, making them feel as though they are witnessing Tubman’s journey firsthand. The biography emphasizes Tubman’s unwavering commitment to justice and freedom, providing a comprehensive understanding of her legacy as a pivotal figure in American history.
Key Themes and Insights
Ann Petry’s biography of Harriet Tubman explores themes of courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. It highlights Tubman’s transformation from an enslaved individual to a fearless conductor on the Underground Railroad, emphasizing her strategic methods and unwavering determination. The book also delves into the broader context of slavery and abolition, showcasing the collective effort of the Underground Railroad network. Petry’s vivid storytelling brings to life Tubman’s harrowing experiences, her emotional connections with fellow escapees, and her unshakable belief in justice. The biography underscores Tubman’s legacy as a symbol of hope and freedom, inspiring future generations to fight for equality and human rights.
Recent Controversy
The National Park Service temporarily removed Harriet Tubman’s image and quote from its Underground Railroad webpage, sparking public outcry before reinstating them amid widespread criticism and demand for transparency.
Removal from National Park Service Webpage
In February 2025, the National Park Service temporarily removed references to Harriet Tubman from its Underground Railroad webpage, including her image and quote. This edit sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the agency of erasing her legacy. The removal occurred amid broader changes to government websites, raising concerns about political interference in historical representation. Public backlash led to the reinstatement of Tubman’s image and quote by April 7, 2025. This controversy highlighted the ongoing debate over how historical figures, particularly those central to racial justice, are acknowledged and honored in official narratives.
Public Reaction and Reinstatement
The removal of Harriet Tubman’s image and quote from the National Park Service webpage sparked immediate public outrage. Social media platforms and news outlets flooded with criticism, accusing the agency of erasing Tubman’s legacy. Advocacy groups and historians emphasized her pivotal role in American history, demanding reinstatement. Following intense backlash, the National Park Service restored Tubman’s image and quote by April 7, 2025. This swift reversal underscored the public’s deep respect for Tubman and the importance of preserving her contributions to the fight against slavery and racism. The incident highlighted the power of public advocacy in safeguarding historical representation.