Harriet Tubman’s Sacrifices to Become an American Hero

Liberty's torch burned brightest in Tubman's hands as she led others toward freedom's dawn. Known for her instrumental role as an abolitionist and her leadership in the Underground Railroad, Tubman's life and legacy continue to inspire countless individuals. This essay explores the remarkable journey of Harriet Tubman, delving into her early life, her contributions to the abolitionist movement, and her enduring impact as both a symbol of resistance against slavery and an influential role model for future generations.

Early Life and Challenges

Born Araminta "Minty" Ross around 1825, Harriet Tubman's early years were fraught with hardship and adversity.

She was born into slavery on the plantation of Edward Brodess in Dorchester County, Maryland. Her parents, Harriet "Rit" Green and Ben Ross, were also enslaved, setting the stage for a life of servitude from which Tubman would ultimately break free. As a young girl, Tubman endured harsh conditions, working as a nursemaid and later setting muskrat traps, jobs that exposed her to severe abuse and illness.

A pivotal moment in Tubman's life occurred at the age of thirteen when she suffered a traumatic head injury. Struck by a two-pound weight thrown by an angry overseer, Tubman endured lifelong health challenges, including severe headaches and narcoleptic episodes. Despite these obstacles, or perhaps because of them, Tubman developed an extraordinary resilience and determination that would define her future endeavors.

A Defiant Spirit and Escape

In 1844, Tubman married John Tubman, a free black man, in a union that was both informal and fraught with uncertainty due to her enslaved status. Harriet Tubman's desire for freedom intensified after the death of her owner, Edward Brodess, in 1849. Fearing the prospect of being sold and separated from her family, she made the bold decision to escape. Adopting her mother's name, Harriet, and her husband's last name, Tubman, she set out on a perilous journey to freedom.

September 17, 1849, marked the start of Tubman's escape from the Poplar Neck Plantation. Accompanied by her brothers, she soon found herself traveling alone after they decided to return home out of fear. Tubman's courage and resourcefulness led her to Philadelphia, where she found work and began planning to return for her family.

The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a railroad but a clandestine network of routes and safe houses that offered enslaved individuals a path to freedom. Harriet Tubman became one of its most renowned conductors, risking her life to guide others northward. Historians estimate that nearly 100,000 slaves found freedom through this network, and Tubman's contributions were pivotal.

Once settled in the North, Tubman established a network of trusted friends, both black and white, who supported her mission. Her efforts earned her the nickname "Moses," a testament to her leadership in leading people to freedom, much like the biblical figure. Tubman's first rescue mission was for her niece Kessiah and her children, a daring operation that underscored her unwavering commitment to her family and her cause.

Continued Resistance and Legacy

Harriet Tubman's determination to free others never waned, even after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, which increased the dangers for both escapees and those who assisted them. Tubman adapted her strategies, guiding fugitives further north to Canada, where they could live free from the threat of capture. Her collaboration with notable abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and Lucretia Mott provided her with the resources and support needed to continue her work.

Over the course of a decade, Tubman returned to the South 19 times, liberating approximately 300 slaves. Her reputation as a fearless liberator grew with each successful mission, and she was lauded by abolitionists for her bravery and dedication. Tubman's efforts were not limited to her family; she embraced the broader struggle for freedom, embodying the spirit of resistance against an unjust system.

Civil War Contributions

During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman expanded her role in the fight for freedom by joining the Union Army. Her service began with volunteer work at Fort Monroe, Virginia, where she assisted "contrabands"—escaped slaves seeking refuge. Tubman's humanitarian efforts were invaluable, providing care and support to those in need.

In 1863, Tubman took on an official role as a spy and scout for the Union Army. Her most notable military contribution was the Combahee River Raid, where she led 150 black soldiers in a successful operation that liberated over 750 slaves. This achievement solidified her reputation as a formidable leader and tactician.

Later Life and Enduring Impact

After the war, Harriet Tubman returned to Auburn, New York, where she continued to support her family and contribute to her community. Despite financial challenges, she remained committed to helping those in need. Tubman's generosity extended to donating her property to establish a home for the elderly and indigent African Americans.

Harriet Tubman's legacy transcends her lifetime, serving as a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice. Her life's work laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements and continues to inspire those who fight for equality and freedom. Harriet Tubman's story is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and effect change.

In conclusion, Harriet Tubman's life is a profound example of heroism in the face of oppression. Her contributions to the abolitionist movement, her strategic brilliance in the Underground Railroad, and her service during the Civil War collectively highlight her significance as an American hero. Tubman's legacy as a role model endures, reminding us of the impact one individual can have on the course of history. Her story is a beacon of hope and a call to action for those who seek to create a more just and equitable world.

Did you like this example?

1507

79