More from this creator
Other episodes by Kitty Cat.
More like this
If you liked this, try these.
Transcript
The full episode, in writing.
In the summer of 1849, a young woman named Araminta Ross made a decision that would alter the course of history. Known later as Harriet Tubman, she was born into slavery around 1820 in Dorchester County, Maryland. Tubman decided to escape to freedom, leaving behind her husband and family, driven by the imminent fear of being sold further south. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her legendary role in the Underground Railroad.
Harriet Tubman was born to Benjamin Ross and Harriet "Rit" Green, both of whom were enslaved on a plantation. The conditions of her early life were harsh and unforgiving, as with many enslaved individuals at the time. Tubman's family lived in a one-room cabin that offered little protection against the elements. Her father, Benjamin, worked as a woodsman, while her mother, Rit, served as a cook for the plantation owner. Tubman had eight siblings, and together, they endured the hardships of slavery, including the constant threat of family separation.
As a child, Tubman experienced a traumatic head injury that had a profound impact on her life. An overseer threw a two-pound weight at another enslaved person, but it struck Tubman instead. This injury led to lifelong ailments, including severe headaches and epileptic seizures. Despite these challenges, Tubman's resilience only grew. Her faith and spirituality also deepened, and she often experienced vivid dreams and visions, which she attributed to divine guidance.
Tubman's worldview was shaped significantly by the stories of liberation her parents shared. Her father, Benjamin Ross, told her about the successes of escapees and the dream of freedom. These narratives fueled her desire for liberty and justice. Additionally, her mother, Rit, demonstrated remarkable strength and defiance, once hiding an enslaved boy to prevent his sale and eventual separation from his family.
In 1844, Tubman married John Tubman, a free Black man. This union was fraught with complications due to her status as an enslaved person. Although marriage to a free man offered a glimmer of hope for a better future, Tubman's status did not change, and her mobility was heavily restricted. This marriage underscored the inequalities even within relationships between free and enslaved individuals. Tubman realized that autonomy could only be fully achieved through her own liberation.
In 1849, Harriet Tubman made her daring escape to Philadelphia, navigating the hazardous landscapes and hostile territories of the Eastern Shore with the help of the Underground Railroad's intricate network. This operation was a vast system of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape into free states. Upon reaching freedom, Tubman declared, "I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land."
During the 1850s, Tubman became a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad. Over approximately a decade, she made around 13 perilous trips back to Maryland. These missions were fraught with danger, as Tubman navigated through forests and swamps, often traveling by night to avoid detection. She used various techniques to ensure the success and safety of her operations, such as disguising her fellow escapees and employing signals like song lyrics to communicate covertly.
Tubman guided approximately 70 enslaved individuals to freedom through her efforts. She earned the nickname "Moses" among abolitionists and the enslaved, drawing a parallel to the biblical figure known for leading his people to freedom. Her operations were meticulously planned, demonstrating her exceptional skills in strategy and leadership. Tubman was known to carry a revolver, which she used to encourage those who wavered during their escape, stating resolutely that “you'll be free or you'll die a slave.”
In 1858, Tubman met the abolitionist John Brown, who admired her bravery and leadership. Brown enlisted Tubman's help in planning his raid on Harper's Ferry, a pivotal event intended to initiate a slave uprising. Although the raid ultimately failed, Brown referred to Tubman as "General Tubman," recognizing her contributions and strategic acumen.
During the American Civil War from 1862 to 1865, Tubman's role expanded beyond that of a conductor. She served as a nurse, cook, and laundress for Union forces in South Carolina. Her most notable military contribution was during the Combahee River Raid in 1863, where she became the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war. Tubman guided Union troops in destroying Confederate supplies and freeing over 700 enslaved people. This operation significantly disrupted Confederate operations in the region.
Despite her service, Tubman faced numerous setbacks and challenges. She was never paid the salary she was promised for her wartime contributions, reflecting the broader systemic inequities experienced by African Americans, even those who risked their lives for the Union cause. Tubman struggled for years after the war to receive a pension for her military service, a battle that continued until 1899 when she was finally granted a pension of $20 per month, equivalent to roughly $640 today.
After the war, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she cared for her aging parents. She married Nelson Davis, a Union veteran, in 1869. Tubman's activism continued as she became deeply involved in the women's suffrage movement alongside figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She traveled extensively, speaking about her experiences and advocating for voting rights for women.
Tubman's legacy extends far beyond her role in the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. Her life and work have inspired countless leaders and activists. She was an embodiment of resilience and courage, demonstrating that one person's determination can lead to monumental change. Her efforts paved the way for future civil rights movements and highlighted the intersectionality of racial and gender inequality.
In recognition of her contributions, in 2016, the U.S. Treasury announced that Tubman would appear on the $20 bill, replacing Andrew Jackson. However, the initiative faced delays and was not completed by the intended deadline. Nevertheless, Tubman's story continues to be celebrated in various forms of media, including books, films, and educational programs.
On Veterans Day 2024, Tubman was posthumously awarded the rank of one-star brigadier general in the Maryland National Guard. This honor underscored her pivotal role in American history and served as a reminder of her military leadership, often overlooked in traditional narratives.
Harriet Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913, in Auburn, New York. Her death marked the end of a life dedicated to the fight for freedom and equality. Despite facing immense adversity, Tubman's enduring spirit and commitment left an indelible mark on American history. Her story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice, inspiring countless generations to continue the fight against oppression.
Tubman's life was not just a series of daring feats but a profound testament to the power of resistance and the human spirit. Her involvement in the Combahee River Raid was not merely a military maneuver but a strategic operation that freed hundreds and crippled Confederate resources. The raid exemplified her ability to leverage intelligence and military precision, further establishing her as a formidable figure in history.
The Underground Railroad itself was an extraordinary network that required immense coordination and trust. Tubman's role as a conductor was more than guiding individuals to freedom; it was about maintaining a secretive and effective resistance against the institution of slavery. Her methods included using coded songs, altering routes to avoid capture, and employing her knowledge of the terrain to outmaneuver pursuers.
Another significant aspect of Tubman's legacy was her unwavering belief in the potential for change. Despite the systemic barriers she faced, Tubman held a clear vision for what could be achieved through collective action. Her collaboration with notable abolitionists, her role in the women's suffrage movement, and her continued advocacy for civil rights demonstrated her comprehensive approach to tackling injustice.
Tubman's life story has been preserved through oral histories, biographies, and archives, ensuring that her contributions are not forgotten. She became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and equality, providing a powerful narrative that underscores the importance of civil liberties. Her legacy is evident in the continued fight for racial and social justice, as her life serves as a beacon of hope and determination.
Harriet Tubman's indomitable spirit is perhaps best encapsulated in her own words, "I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger." This simple yet profound statement reflects her meticulous planning and the unwavering commitment to her cause. Tubman's life was a testament to the power of individual action in the face of systemic oppression.
Her story remains a critical chapter in the history of the United States, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of a nation built on the ideals of freedom and equality yet marred by the realities of slavery and discrimination. Tubman's life and work continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for civil rights and the ongoing fight against injustice. Her impact is immortalized not only in history books but also in the hearts and minds of those who strive for a more equitable world.