Harriet Tubman: America’s Real-Life Superwoman

 

Introduction:

When most people think of Harriet Tubman, they picture the fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad. But what many don’t realize is that her bravery went far beyond helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Tubman was a nurse, a spy, a soldier, and a symbol of resilience and courage. Her story isn’t just one of heroism—it’s one of relentless action in the face of danger, making her one of the most remarkable figures in American history.

From Slavery to Freedom—And Back Again

Born Araminta Ross around 1822 in Maryland, Harriet Tubman was enslaved from birth. As a child, she endured physical abuse and harsh labor. After escaping to Philadelphia in 1849, many would have stopped there. Not Tubman. She returned—at least 13 times—to rescue over 70 enslaved people, including her own family, using a network of safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.

Each journey was perilous. Tubman carried a pistol, not just for protection, but to discourage escapees from turning back. “You’ll be free or die,” she reportedly told them. Her resolve was ironclad.

Harriet Tubman the Spy

During the Civil War, Tubman worked for the Union Army—not as a cook or laundress (as many Black women were relegated to), but as a scout and spy. She helped plan and lead the Combahee River Raid in South Carolina in 1863, which freed more than 700 enslaved people—making her the first woman to lead an armed military operation in U.S. history.

She gathered intelligence, mapped terrain, and used her knowledge of covert travel to aid Union operations. It was dangerous work, but she was undeterred.

Fighting for Justice After the War

Even after the Civil War, Tubman’s fight wasn’t over. She became active in the women’s suffrage movement, working alongside Susan B. Anthony and others to advocate for women’s right to vote. Despite never receiving a formal education, she spoke powerfully about equality and justice.

Sadly, Tubman was denied a military pension for years despite her service. She eventually received a small amount, far less than what white veterans earned. Still, she used what little she had to care for others, even establishing a home for elderly Black people in Auburn, New York.

Legacy of a Legend

Harriet Tubman died in 1913, but her legacy lives on. She has been honored in books, films, and public monuments. In 2016, it was announced that she would replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, though the redesign has been delayed. Still, the recognition is a step toward giving her the place she deserves in national memory.

Tubman wasn’t just brave—she was strategic, compassionate, and fiercely committed to freedom, not just for herself, but for everyone. Her life reads like a novel, but it was real. And it continues to inspire generations to rise up, speak out, and push forward.

Quote to Remember:

“I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.” — Harriet Tubman

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Napoleon vs. the Bunnies: The Day the Emperor Lost a Battle to Rabbits

Introduction: Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most brilliant military minds in history. He reshaped Europe, led armies across continents, and struck fear into empires. But there’s one battle he couldn’t win— against hundreds of rabbits . Yes, you read that right. In one of history’s most absurd and hilarious footnotes, the great French Emperor was once ambushed by a horde of bunnies during a friendly hunting event. This bizarre incident reminds us that even the mightiest leaders can have the strangest of bad days. The Setting: A Celebration Gone Sideways In 1807 , after signing the Treaties of Tilsit —a series of peace agreements between France and Russia—Napoleon and his generals decided to celebrate with a rabbit hunt . It was supposed to be a lighthearted event, a break from the grim reality of war. Napoleon tasked his chief of staff, Alexandre Berthier , with organizing the hunt. Berthier, wanting to impress, made sure everything was perfect: food, wine, and, of course, r...
Read more

Economic History of UAE

  The economic history of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is marked by a dramatic transformation from a region primarily reliant on pearling and subsistence agriculture to a modern, diversified economy with significant global influence. Here’s an overview of the key phases in the UAE’s economic development: Pre-Oil Era (Before 1960s) Pearling and Fishing : Before the discovery of oil, the economies of the emirates that would form the UAE were largely based on pearling, fishing, and trade. The pearling industry was particularly significant, with the region known for its high-quality pearls. Trade and Maritime Activity : The Gulf region was a crucial trading hub due to its strategic location along the maritime trade routes between Europe, Africa, and Asia. Traditional trade included spices, textiles, and precious metals. Agriculture and Livestock : Limited agriculture was practiced, focusing on date palm cultivation and livestock. The harsh desert climate and lack of freshwater limite...
Read more