Harriet

In the early 19th century, the United States was a nation still deeply entrenched in the practice of slavery. Millions of enslaved individuals lived in bondage, subject to the whims and brutal treatment of their plantation owners. Among them was Harriet Ross Tubman, born around 1822 in the plantation of Edward and Harriet Green in Dorchester County, Maryland. Orphaned at a young age, Harriet was forced to rely on the kindness of neighbors and the occasional generosity of her owner, Moses Brodess, who bought her family's farm. Life as a slave was marked by grueling labor, violence, and endless fear. The brutal punishment and harsh treatment left deep scars on the young girl. In her late teens, Harriet witnessed the gruesome punishment of a fellow slave who had run away and was caught trying to make it back to freedom. This traumatic event became a defining moment for Harriet, solidifying her fierce desire for liberation. As she grew older, Harriet married John Tubman, a free black man, but she remained a slave herself. After suffering a severe head injury that led to seizures, Harriet turned to spiritualism for solace. She became convinced that she had been chosen by God for a higher purpose: to free those in bondage. Harriet's newfound devotion also gave her immense courage and faith in her mission. With a growing sense of resolve, Harriet began to formulate an escape plan. She carefully observed the slave catchers and their routes, eventually deciding to flee to freedom in the North. The risk was enormous, but Harriet was desperate to live a life free from slavery. On a sweltering autumn night in September 1849, Harriet set off, guided by the North Star and a fierce determination. Traveling almost 90 miles on foot, she followed the Underground Railroad, a network of secret paths, safe houses, and sympathetic allies that aided fugitive slaves on their perilous journey to freedom. Along the way, she encountered numerous close calls with slave catchers and nearly succumbed to exhaustion. Still, the prospect of being a 'free woman' remained her driving force. Harriet made it to Philadelphia, a bustling hub of abolitionist activity, where she began working as a domestic for a Quaker couple, William and Caroline Stewart. It was during this period that Harriet became exposed to the fervent activism of William still, who recognized her incredible journey as a testament to the power of self-reliance and faith. Touched by her story, William and Caroline decided to help Harriet gain control over her own life by assisting her in obtaining her freedom documents. In 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act reinforced the laws governing fugitive slaves; with this new law, returning escaped slaves to their owners was now strictly enforceable by federal law. It was now more hazardous than ever for Harriet to live her life as a free woman. This new reality pushed Harriet to make the bold decision to return to Maryland multiple times to rescue dozens of fellow slaves. Under the guise of a free black woman called 'Moses,' she bravely navigated the treacherous terrain of plantations and swampy forests, facing down slave catchers and other deadly threats to complete her missions. By 1860, her bravery and cunning had freed approximately 70 to 80 people, including three of her own brothers and their children. When the Civil War finally broke out in 1861, Harriet saw an opportunity to fight for the Union Army, offering her services to the US Army. Her offer was initially met with skepticism but eventually approved. Throughout her service, Harriet guided and led hundreds of soldiers on daring raids and missions, providing critical information on enemy positions and tactics that significantly altered the course of the war. Her remarkable exploits earned her the title of the "Moses of Her People." Harriet Tubman continued her remarkable journey as a pioneering abolitionist, woman, and soldier, cementing her place as one of the most courageous figures in American history. Her bravery in the face of unimaginable danger, fueled by an unwavering commitment to equality and human rights, continues to inspire generations.