The Life and Legacy of Harriet Tubman: When Did She Pass Away?

Harriet Tubman was a woman of remarkable courage and determination, who fought tirelessly for the abolition of slavery and civil rights in the United States. Born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s, she escaped to freedom in the North in 1849, and soon became an active participant in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom. Over the course of a decade, Tubman made approximately 13 missions to rescue about 70 enslaved people, earning her the nickname “Moses” among abolitionists.

During the Civil War, Tubman worked as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union army, becoming the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war effort. After the war, she remained active in the struggle for women’s suffrage and civil rights, and established the Tubman Home for aged and indigent colored people in Auburn, New York.

Despite facing many obstacles and hardships throughout her life, Harriet Tubman persevered and left an enduring legacy of courage, resistance, and hope. In this blog post, we will explore the life and legacy of this iconic abolitionist, with a focus on the question that many people ask: when did Harriet Tubman die?

Early Life and Journey to Freedom

Harriet Tubman, known as a fearless abolitionist and iconic figure in Black American history, was born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s. Tubman’s childhood was marked by the harsh realities of slave life, including physical abuse and forced labor from an early age. Despite these challenges, Tubman displayed remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, developing survival skills that would serve her well throughout her life.

At the age of 25, Tubman made the brave decision to escape slavery and seek freedom. She embarked on a dangerous journey along the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to freedom in the North. Tubman’s first attempt at escaping ended in failure, but she persevered, returning to Maryland multiple times to help other enslaved individuals escape.

Tubman became one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad, leading over 13 missions and personally freeing around 70 enslaved people. Her journeys were treacherous and unpredictable, placing her own safety at risk as she navigated through unfamiliar territory, often under cover of darkness.

Despite the danger, Tubman continued to help others escape slavery, risking her life for the cause of freedom. Her bravery and determination inspired many, earning her the nickname “Moses” and cementing her place as an icon of the abolitionist movement.

In summary, Harriet Tubman’s early life was marked by hardship and oppression as a slave. However, her courage and resilience allowed her to escape slavery and become a powerful force for change. Her contributions to the Underground Railroad remain a testament to her unwavering commitment to freedom and justice.

Active Participation in the Underground Railroad

Harriet Tubman is best known for her role as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped slaves escape to freedom in the North. She made 13 missions to rescue around 70 slaves, including family members and friends.

As a conductor, Tubman was responsible for leading enslaved people along the dangerous route to freedom. She would communicate with other abolitionists to plan the escape and would guide the group through the wilderness, avoiding patrols and armed slave catchers. She would also use songs and codes to communicate with other conductors and slaves.

Tubman’s bravery and resourcefulness earned her the nickname “Moses” among the slaves she helped rescue. Her reputation as a fearless leader was well-deserved, as she faced many dangers along the way. On one occasion, she even had to carry a fellow passenger who had given up and wanted to return to slavery.

Despite the danger, Tubman remained committed to her mission. She once said, “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.” Her success as a conductor made her a celebrated figure in the abolitionist movement.

In addition to her work on the Underground Railroad, Tubman also served as a nurse, cook, and spy during the Civil War. She continued her activism after the war, advocating for women’s suffrage and civil rights.

Overall, Harriet Tubman’s active participation in the Underground Railroad showcases her courage, determination, and commitment to justice. Her legacy continues to inspire generations to fight against oppression and work towards a brighter future.

Involvement in the Civil War

During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman continued to fight for freedom and equality in new and significant ways. Though she was in her 40s at the time, she volunteered as a nurse and cook for the Union Army. Her experience working on plantations made her well-equipped to handle medical emergencies and provide food for soldiers. But Tubman’s contributions didn’t stop there.

In addition to her nursing and cooking duties, Tubman also became a spy for the Union Army. She used her skills from the Underground Railroad to gather critical information about Confederate movements and report it back to Union leaders. Among her many successes was leading a raid that freed more than 700 enslaved people from plantations along the Combahee River in South Carolina.

Tubman’s bravery and dedication to the war effort garnered her recognition from military leaders and politicians alike. She met with President Abraham Lincoln and worked alongside such notable figures as Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. Her work as a nurse, cook, and spy helped turn the tide of the war and brought her one step closer to achieving her ultimate goal of ending slavery.

Harriet Tubman’s involvement in the Civil War demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom. Her selflessness and bravery in the face of danger continue to inspire generations today.

Later Life and Legacy

Harriet Tubman’s later life was marked by continued activism and contributions to the struggle for civil rights and women’s suffrage. After the Civil War, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she purchased a home for her family and elderly parents. This home became known as the “Tubman Home” and served as a refuge for many other African Americans seeking safe haven from slavery and discrimination.

During this period, Tubman also became involved in the women’s suffrage movement, working alongside fellow activists such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Despite facing racism and sexism within the movement, Tubman remained dedicated to the cause of equal rights for all.

In addition to her activism, Tubman also worked tirelessly to provide for her family and support herself financially. She opened a boarding house and took on odd jobs such as cooking and laundry to make ends meet.

Sadly, Harriet Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913, at the age of 91. Her legacy, however, lives on as an icon of strength, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity. She is remembered not only for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad but also as a Civil War veteran, abolitionist, and steadfast advocate for human rights. Today, the Tubman Home serves as a museum and testament to her incredible life and legacy.
Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy continue to inspire generations of people around the world. Born into slavery, she bravely escaped and dedicated her life to fighting for the freedom of others. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, she led countless slaves to safety and helped to abolish slavery in America. During the Civil War, she served as a nurse, cook, and spy, earning the respect and admiration of many. Throughout her life, Tubman also fought for women’s suffrage and civil rights, leaving behind a powerful legacy that resonates to this day.

Despite facing countless obstacles and dangers throughout her life, Tubman never wavered in her commitment to justice and equality. Her bravery, resilience, and unwavering determination serve as an example for all of us to follow. So let us honor Harriet Tubman’s memory and carry on her mission of creating a more just and equitable world for all.