Harriet Tubman — The Conductor of Freedom

From Slavery to Leader on the Underground Railroad

In the 1800s, life was very hard for African Americans who were enslaved in the United States. They were forced to work on farms and plantations, had no freedom, and were often treated cruelly. In 1822, a girl named Araminta Ross was born into slavery in Maryland. Later, she took the name Harriet Tubman. She would grow up to become one of the bravest women in American history.

When Harriet was a child, she suffered many hardships. She worked long hours and was sometimes beaten. Once, an overseer threw a heavy object that hit her head. For the rest of her life, she had painful headaches and sudden fainting spells. Even so, Harriet was strong in both body and spirit. She believed deeply in freedom.

In 1849, when she was about 27 years old, Harriet decided to escape. She traveled at night, guided by the North Star in the sky. She crossed rivers and forests, hiding during the day. Finally, she reached the northern states, where slavery was illegal. Harriet had gained her freedom, but she could not forget the family and friends she had left behind.

Instead of staying safe, Harriet chose to return again and again to help others escape. She became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of safe houses and helpers. She used clever disguises and knew secret paths. If there was danger, she encouraged people to keep moving. She carried courage in her heart, and sometimes even carried a gun to protect her group.

Over the next ten years, Harriet Tubman led about 13 missions and helped around 70 enslaved people escape to freedom. Many called her “Moses,” after the Biblical leader who led his people out of slavery. She said, “I never lost a passenger,” meaning that everyone she guided reached safety.

During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Harriet continued to fight for freedom. She worked as a nurse, caring for wounded soldiers. She also served as a spy for the Union Army, gathering important information. In one famous mission in South Carolina, she guided troops and helped free more than 700 enslaved people in a single night.

After the war, Harriet did not stop working for justice. She spoke for the rights of African Americans and for women’s right to vote. She built a home for elderly African Americans who had no family to care for them. She lived a long life and passed away in 1913 at the age of 91.

Today, Harriet Tubman is remembered as a symbol of courage and determination. Schools, parks, and museums carry her name. Plans were announced to place her image on the $20 bill. Her life shows that one person, even someone born without freedom, can make a difference in the world.

Comprehension Questions

Answer these questions about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.

1. What difficulties did Harriet Tubman face in childhood, and how did they affect her later life?
2. How did Harriet escape slavery in 1849, and why did she travel at night?
3. What was the Underground Railroad, and what did it mean to be a “conductor”?
4. How many missions did Harriet lead, and why did people call her “Moses”?
5. What roles did Harriet Tubman play during and after the Civil War?