Harriet Tubman Essay

The Captivating Life of Harriet Tubman

INTRODUCTION

Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist who was born into slavery, was probably one of the greatest Americans to ever live. One of her most sumptuous quotes was, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” That's exactly what she did.

HARRIET TUBMAN’S CHILDHOOD Born in Maryland, Harriet’s original name was Araminta Ross. Tubman came from a family that included enslaved parents. She had siblings that would soon be sold into slavery and to nearby plantations. She endured physical violence throughout her childhood some, of which, led to permanent injuries. She later married a free

She helped others escape slavery and became an abolitionist for civil rights. During this time she fled to Philadelphia where she would develop a network known as the Underground Railroad. She used this to help her travel more than 90 miles into PA. She would later make a number of trips back and forth from Maryland to Pennsylvania to help her family and friends escape slavery. Around 1850 the Fugitive Slave Law was passed which made escaped slaves become eligible to be a slave again. The Underground Railroad was rerouted to Canada by Tubman since the country prohibits slavery. As Tubman continued to route escapees to the north, evidence suggests she may have met with Frederick Douglass, another abolitionist along with Job Brown. She later worked with the union as a nurse and cook. She was an active force during the Civil War and guided more than 700 slaves to freedom. She acquired land in New York and lived her remaining years there until her health took a turn. She got married a second time before having health issues which were related to head injuries sustained from her childhood as a slave. A nursing home was named after her in Massachusetts. She lived here after undergoing brain surgery and passed away surrounded by family and friends in 1913. She was buried with military honors in home town of Auburn.

CONCLUSION

Overall, Harriet Tubman was a great and inspiring person in American History. The unique happenstance