Harriet Tubman (1820-1913) was a pivotal figure in the Underground Railroad, beginning with her own escape from slavery on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1849. Tubman returned multiple times to lead others to freedom, while becoming active in antislavery circles and collaborating with vigilance leaders like William Still in Philadelphia to assist freedom seekers. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a guide for US forces in South Carolina. Her legendary reputation as “Moses” grew even as Tubman lived much of the rest of her life in poverty.
ESSAYS: Barker // Blackett // Bordewich // Cohen // Crew // Foner // Larson // Newby-Alexander // Pinsker
ROLES: Abolitionist // UGRR Operative
Harriet Tubman (House Divided Project)