Embark on a journey through history with 25 awe-inspiring facts about Harriet Tubman – the fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad and an enduring symbol of courage. Her legacy as a freedom fighter and advocate for change continues to inspire generations. In this article, we’re unveiling the incredible chapters of her life, the daring escapes, and the profound impact she made on the fight for equality. From secret missions to unbreakable determination, get ready to explore the incredible life of Harriet Tubman, a true American hero.
1-5 Facts About Harriet Tubman
1. Harriet Tubman’s life began in the confines of slavery, believed to be born between 1815 and 1825. Her parents, Harriet Green and Ben Ross, were both enslaved on Edward Brodess’s plantation in Dorchester County, Maryland. Despite her family’s gradual dispersal to other plantations due to sales, Tubman spent her upbringing on the Brodess plantation.
2. Her mother, Harriet Green, fought to keep her family together. When a Georgia slaveowner bought her youngest son, Moses, Harriet Green’s fierce threat with an ax compelled him to relent, leaving a lasting impression on young Tubman.
3. Amid her enslavement, Tubman’s mind swirled with thoughts of rebellion. At the age of 12, she courageously attempted to shield another enslaved person from a beating by their owner. Although the outcome wasn’t favorable, this marked the inception of a significant transformative journey.
4. At birth, Tubman was named Araminta Ross; she was often called Minty by friends and family. As a teenager, she adopted the name Harriet as a tribute to her mother. Upon marrying her first husband, John Tubman, she took on the name Tubman.
5. Despite her imposing influence, Tubman stood at just under five feet tall.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Harriet Tubman
6. In 1849, Tubman fell ill, and Brodess’s failed attempts to sell her led her to pray for his demise, realizing that he would never release her from bondage and would further tear her family apart. Her wish was fulfilled, as the slaveowner passed away a week later.
7. Harriet Tubman once pulled off a brilliant trick on a train. To avoid being recognized by a former master, she acted like she was engrossed in reading a newspaper. The master, knowing she couldn’t read, didn’t suspect a thing and let her be.
8. When Harriet Tubman was a kid, she had a bad injury to her head. This made her slip into dream-like states often. In these states, she had vivid hallucinations that she believed were messages from God. These visions compelled her to dedicate her life to freeing Southern slaves using the Underground Railroad.
9. In her 70s, Tubman opted for surgery to alleviate the seizures and narcoleptic episodes that had plagued her since childhood.
10. Besides her work on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman also did some incredible things during the Civil War. She was a scout, spy, nurse, and even a soldier. One impressive feat was leading a mission with the African-American 2nd South Carolina regiment that resulted in over 700 slaves being set free.
11-15 Shocking Facts About Harriet Tubman
11. A bill was filed in the United States House of Representatives in 1874 to pay Harriet Tubman $2,000 for services she performed to the Union Army as a scout, nurse, and spy during the American Civil War, but it was defeated in the Senate.
12. You won’t believe the guts Harriet Tubman had. Not only did she escape slavery herself, but she went back to the South multiple times to rescue a whopping 70 more enslaved people. And even after the Fugitive Slave Act became law, she didn’t back down. She continued guiding escapees to Canada and lending a hand to the Union Army during the Civil War. Now that’s dedication.
13. Oh, and get this – after escaping to freedom, she went back to rescue her husband. But guess what? He had remarried and didn’t want to leave. Instead of causing a scene, she turned the situation around and led a group of other slaves to freedom. Talk about a change of plans!
14. To escape unnoticed, Tubman strategically planned her journeys on Saturdays before dawn, granting her and her companions a two-day lead since newspapers published runaway notices and rewards but were only circulated on Mondays.
15. Even Queen Victoria admired Harriet Tubman. She gave her a beautiful shawl in 1897, which you can see today at the National Museum of African-American History & Culture.
16-20 Insane Facts About Harriet Tubman
16. Harriet Tubman wasn’t just brave; she was also practical. She always carried a gun during her trips on the Underground Railroad. If a runaway slave ever thought about turning back, Tubman wasn’t messing around. She’d whip out that gun and make it clear – freedom was the only way forward.
17. One of her secrets for not getting caught was drugging kids with opium to keep them from crying.
18. In all her trips to the South, Harriet Tubman never lost a single slave. She used clever tricks like disguises, singing, and even wearing a bonnet while holding a chicken so she looked like she was just running errands. People even started calling her “Moses” because of her guiding efforts.
19. Though Tubman tirelessly worked to free the enslaved individuals in Delaware, her primary focus was rescuing her sister, Rachel, and her two children. After a decade-long pursuit, she located them, only to find Rachel deceased. While the children were available for purchase at $30, Tubman lacked the funds. After one final rescue mission, she retired from the Underground Railroad.
20. In 1859, Tubman’s path crossed with the fervent abolitionist John Brown. Their instant mutual respect and shared belief in divine visitations fortified their bond.
21-25 Surprising Facts About Harriet Tubman
21. She is often regarded as the first woman to work in the military.
22. Beyond her role as a masterful spy, Tubman embraced the role of healer. Her familiarity with local plants and herbs enabled her to treat Union soldiers afflicted with various ailments during the Civil War.
23. Even though Harriet Tubman couldn’t read or write, it didn’t stop her. She couldn’t read, but she could lead.
24. Harriet Tubman founded the ‘Harriet Tubman Home for the Elderly’, a retirement home for destitute and elderly African-Americans, in 1908. Tubman was one of the residents, having been admitted in 1911 and remaining there until her death in 1913.
25. After her passing, Harriet Tubman was venerated as a saint by the Anglican church, solidifying her legacy as a beacon of inspiration and courage.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading about 25 Facts About Harriet Tubman
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