Araminta "Harriet" Ross Tubman
- Born:
- c. 1822, Dorchester County, Maryland, USA
- Died:
- March 10, 1913, Auburn, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Abolitionist, Conductor on the Underground Railroad, Nurse, Suffragist, Spy
Early Life and Education
- Born into slavery as Araminta "Minty" Ross on a plantation in Dorchester County, Maryland.
- Experienced harsh treatment and physical abuse as a child.
- Lacked formal education.
- In her early teens, she suffered a traumatic head injury when an overseer threw a heavy weight at another enslaved person, but it hit her instead. She suffered from seizures and headaches for the rest of her life.
Career and Major Achievements
- Escaped from slavery in 1849 and fled to Philadelphia.
- Became a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, leading approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom in the North and Canada.
- Made 19 trips back to Maryland to rescue family and others.
- Served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
- Led the Combahee River Raid in 1863, freeing over 700 enslaved people.
- Worked for women's suffrage after the Civil War.
Notable Works
- Underground Railroad Conductor: Led numerous expeditions to free enslaved people.
- Military Service: Served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army.
- Activism: Advocate for women's suffrage.
Legacy and Impact
Harriet Tubman's bravery, dedication, and unwavering commitment to freedom cemented her legacy as one of the most important figures in American history. This entry serves as a brief 'harriet tubman biography for kids', introducing the heroic story of a woman who fought tirelessly against slavery and for the rights of others.