HarrietTubman was born into slavery in Maryland in 1820 or 1821.
She was forced to work at the age of five. But Harriet was a very smart
and a very strong individual and was determined to have her own way out.
At the age of 13, she got a head injury, causing blackouts throughout
her life. In 1844, Harriet married John Tubman, a free black man. After
the death of the plantation owner, she made her way on foot to
Pennsylvania, some 90 miles, to escape more harsh conditions. Harriet
Tubman worked hard for two years, saving money to return to Maryland for
the sake of her sister and her children. She undertook many regular
trips at the risk of her life. Harriet was a shrewd planner and always
chose a different route and disguises to avoid being caught. Awards
totaling $40,000 were offered for her arrest, but she was never caught.
During the Civil War, Harriet worked as a nurse and scout for the
North. She was honored for her work, more than once, by the Union Army.
Ultimately she led about 300 people to freedom in Canada and became
famous as the "Moses of Her People". She continued to serve
others by establishing a home for the elderly in upstate New York, and
died, in poverty, in 1913. The Harriet Tubman Home for Aged and Indigent
Colored People in Auburn is now a museum. Harriet Tubman was undoubtedly
an extraordinary woman who, in spite of physical handicap and lack of
education, dedicated her life to save the lives of others. She is indeed
a hero to those she rescued and helped and to those millions who never
met her but admire her even to this day.
