Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Harriet Tubman

Introduction:

Harriet Tubman is a legendary figure in American history, known for her bravery, resilience, and dedication to the fight for freedom. While most people are familiar with her role in the Underground Railroad and her work as a conductor leading enslaved people to freedom, there are many interesting facts about Harriet Tubman that are less well known. In this article, we will explore 15 little-known facts about Harriet Tubman that shed light on her remarkable life and legacy.

Fact 1: Early Years

Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1822. She was born into slavery and experienced the harsh realities of slavery from a young age. Despite facing immense adversity, Tubman showed remarkable courage and resilience, traits that would define her later life.

Fact 2: Escape to Freedom

In 1849, Tubman made a daring escape from slavery, leaving her Maryland plantation and making her way to Philadelphia, where she found freedom. This decision to escape marked the beginning of Tubman’s extraordinary journey and her commitment to helping others break free from the bonds of slavery.

Fact 3: Underground Railroad

Harriet Tubman became one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used to help enslaved people escape to free states and Canada. Tubman made multiple dangerous trips back to the South to rescue enslaved individuals, earning her the nickname “Moses” for leading her people to freedom.

Fact 4: Civil War Service

During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman served as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army. She played a crucial role in gathering intelligence and supporting the Union cause, using her knowledge of the South and her bravery to aid in the fight against slavery and secession.

Fact 5: Combahee River Raid

In June 1863, Harriet Tubman guided a Union gunboat up the Combahee River in South Carolina, leading a military operation that liberated over 700 enslaved people. This daring raid showcased Tubman’s strategic skills and her unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom.

Fact 6: $40,000 Bounty

Tubman’s efforts to undermine the institution of slavery and support the Union Army led to the Confederate government putting a $40,000 bounty on her head. Despite this significant threat to her life, Tubman continued her work without fear, driven by her belief in justice and equality.

Fact 7: Disability

Harriet Tubman suffered a serious head injury as a child when she was hit in the head by a heavy metal weight. This injury caused her to experience seizures and intense headaches for the rest of her life, but it did not deter her from her mission to fight for freedom and equality.

Fact 8: Suffragist Movement

After the Civil War, Harriet Tubman continued to advocate for social justice and equality. She became involved in the suffragist movement, fighting for women’s right to vote and speaking out against discrimination and inequality in all its forms.

Fact 9: Retirement Home

In 1908, Tubman established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, providing care and support for elderly African Americans in need. This retirement home was a testament to Tubman’s generosity and compassion, reflecting her lifelong dedication to serving others.

Fact 10: Face on the $20 Bill

In 2016, the US Treasury Department announced that Harriet Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill, making her the first African American woman to appear on US currency. This historic decision recognized Tubman’s immense contributions to American history and her enduring legacy.

Fact 11: Tubman Stamp

In addition to appearing on the $20 bill, Harriet Tubman has been honored with her own postage stamp. The Harriet Tubman stamp features a portrait of Tubman alongside a quote that captures her spirit and determination: “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”

Fact 12: Hymn Writer

Harriet Tubman was a deeply spiritual person who found solace and strength in her faith. She was known for singing spirituals and hymns, and she even composed her own songs that she used to inspire and uplift others on their journey to freedom.

Fact 13: Legacy and Recognition

Harriet Tubman’s legacy has been celebrated and honored in many ways since her death in 1913. Her life and achievements have inspired countless people around the world, and she continues to be recognized as a pioneering figure in the fight for freedom and equality.

Fact 14: National Historical Park

In 2017, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park was established in Maryland, preserving the landscapes and landmarks associated with Tubman’s escape from slavery and her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The park serves as a tribute to Tubman’s enduring impact on American history.

Fact 15: Timeless Inspiration

Harriet Tubman’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. Her legacy continues to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us of the power of determination and compassion in the fight for justice and equality.

Conclusion

Harriet Tubman’s life was filled with remarkable achievements and extraordinary acts of bravery. From her escape from slavery to her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her service during the Civil War, Tubman’s legacy is one of unwavering determination and compassion. By exploring these 15 little-known facts about Harriet Tubman, we can gain a deeper appreciation for her immense contribution to American history and her enduring impact on the fight for freedom and equality.