Harriet Tubman: Rescued Over 300 Slaves through Underground Railroad | Biography

Summary

Harriet Tubman was a courageous and remarkable figure in American history, known for her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, where she helped over 300 slaves escape to freedom. Born into slavery in the 1820s, Tubman faced hardships such as physical abuse and a life-altering injury that led to narcolepsy. She made numerous daring rescue missions, earning the nickname 'Moses' for leading slaves to safety. Tubman also supported abolitionist John Brown and worked as a scout, nurse, and military leader during the Civil War. Despite her sacrifices, she lived in poverty and passed away in 1913, honored as an American hero.

Takeaways

• 😀 Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross in the 1820s, was born into slavery but later became one of the most renowned conductors of the Underground Railroad.
• 😀 Tubman rescued over 300 enslaved people over a span of 11 years using the Underground Railroad, an informal network designed to guide slaves to freedom.
• 😀 After escaping slavery in 1849, Tubman made several dangerous return trips to rescue family members and others, earning the nickname 'Moses.'
• 😀 Tubman experienced severe physical hardship, including being whipped and hit by a lead weight, which caused her to suffer from narcolepsy for the rest of her life.
• 😀 In 1851, Tubman guided a group of 11 fugitives North, demonstrating her leadership in organizing and executing these risky rescues.
• 😀 Tubman assisted abolitionist John Brown in recruiting men for the raid on Harpers Ferry in 1858, showcasing her commitment to the abolitionist cause.
• 😀 During the Civil War, Tubman served as a Union Army scout and nurse, and led an armed expedition that freed over 700 slaves in South Carolina.
• 😀 Despite her monumental contributions, Tubman lived in poverty throughout much of her life, dying in 1913 from pneumonia.
• 😀 Tubman’s bravery and heroism were later recognized when she was buried with military honors in 1913 and declared an American hero by President Barack Obama.
• 😀 Tubman’s enduring legacy as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom continues to inspire generations.

Q & A

How many slaves did Harriet Tubman rescue during her time as a conductor of the Underground Railroad?

Harriet Tubman rescued more than 300 slaves over the span of 11 years.

What was Harriet Tubman's birth name, and how did it change?

Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross, and she changed her name to Harriet Tubman after marrying a free black man named John Tubman.

What physical injury did Harriet Tubman suffer that affected her health for the rest of her life?

Harriet Tubman was struck by a lead weight, which caused her to experience narcolepsy for the rest of her life.

Why did Harriet Tubman flee to Philadelphia in 1849?

Harriet Tubman feared she would be sold away from her family because she was viewed as a sickly person, so she fled to Philadelphia using the Underground Railroad.

What happened when Harriet Tubman’s brothers decided to return to the plantation after fleeing?

Harriet Tubman chose not to abandon her brothers, and she turned around, went back with them to the plantation, and then escaped a second time by herself.

What was significant about Harriet Tubman’s journey in 1851?

In 1851, Harriet Tubman guided a group of 11 fugitives to the North, earning her the nickname 'Moses' for her role in leading people to freedom.

Why was Harriet Tubman referred to as 'Moses'?

Harriet Tubman was called the Moses of her people because, like the biblical figure, she led people out of bondage (slavery) into freedom (the North).

How did Harriet Tubman contribute to the abolitionist cause beyond the Underground Railroad?

In 1858, Harriet Tubman assisted abolitionist John Brown in recruiting men for the raid on Harpers Ferry. During the Civil War, she became a Union Army scout, nurse, and led an armed expedition to liberate over 700 slaves.

How many people does Harriet Tubman claim to have freed, and what was her regret?

Harriet Tubman claimed to have freed over 1,000 people and expressed that she could have freed many more if they had known they were slaves.

What was Harriet Tubman’s financial situation at the time of her death?

Although Harriet Tubman was widely respected during her lifetime, she was impoverished and died of pneumonia in 1913.