20 Kid-Friendly Facts About Harriet Tubman

Who Was Harriet Tubman?

Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, was a courageous woman who escaped slavery and then risked her life to help others gain their freedom. She became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used to help enslaved African Americans escape to free states and Canada. Tubman's bravery and determination have made her an enduring symbol of resistance against oppression.

Early Life and Escape

1. Born into slavery in Maryland around 1822, Tubman endured harsh conditions and physical violence from a young age. Despite these challenges, she developed a strong sense of faith and a determination to gain freedom.

2. In 1849, Tubman made a daring escape from slavery. Using the North Star as her guide, she traveled nearly 90 miles on foot to reach Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where slavery was illegal.

The Underground Railroad

3. After securing her own freedom, Tubman didn't just settle for a life of safety. She became involved in the Underground Railroad, making 19 trips back to the South. Her missions helped free over 300 slaves.

4. Tubman was known as "Moses" by those she helped escape. This nickname reflects her role in leading others to freedom, much like the biblical figure Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.

5. Her knowledge of covert travel routes and her ability to disguise her identity made Tubman an effective conductor. She never lost a passenger, a testament to her careful planning and quick thinking.

Civil War Contributions

6. Tubman's commitment to freedom extended to her service during the Civil War. She worked for the Union Army as a cook, nurse, and even a spy.

7. In 1863, she became the first woman to lead an armed assault during the Civil War. The Combahee River Raid resulted in the liberation of more than 700 slaves in South Carolina.

Later Life and Legacy

8. After the war, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she continued to fight for civil rights and women's suffrage until her death in 1913.

9. Tubman's legacy is celebrated in numerous ways today, including a national historical park in her honor and her upcoming appearance on the U.S. twenty-dollar bill.

10. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, Tubman's unwavering faith and determination allowed her to change the course of history. Her life serves as an inspiration to all who fight for justice and equality.

Harriet Tubman's Impact on History

11. Tubman's actions challenged the moral and legal foundations of slavery, contributing to its eventual abolition.

12. Her bravery and strategic genius in conducting escapes and gathering intelligence during the Civil War demonstrated the significant contributions women and African Americans could make to the nation's history.

13. Tubman's life story is a powerful example of how one person's courage can lead to monumental changes in society.

Interesting Facts for Kids

14. Tubman suffered a head injury as a child when an overseer threw a heavy metal weight at another slave. The injury caused her lifelong pain and sudden sleeping spells.

15. Despite her fame, Tubman lived in poverty for most of her life. She used her home in Auburn to shelter relatives and others seeking a new start.

16. Tubman was deeply religious, and she often claimed that visions and dreams from God guided her actions, especially during her rescue missions.

17. In her later years, Tubman underwent brain surgery to alleviate the pains and sleeping spells caused by her childhood injury. Remarkably, she chose to stay awake during the procedure, using only local anesthesia.

18. Tubman's fearless spirit was evident even in her final days. She was surrounded by family and friends at the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, which she established, when she passed away.

19. Schools, churches, and other institutions across the United States are named in honor of Tubman, reflecting her lasting impact on American history.

20. Tubman's life and legacy continue to inspire movements for social justice and equality today, proving that her spirit of freedom and resilience lives on.

A Glimpse into Harriet Tubman's Legacy

Harriet Tubman's story is more than just a series of facts. It's a testament to courage, resilience, and the unyielding fight for freedom. Through her daring actions, she not only secured her own liberty but also became a beacon of hope for countless others. Tubman's life reminds us that one person's strength and determination can indeed change the course of history. As we share these kid-friendly facts about her, we're not just recounting historical events. We're passing on the values of bravery, selflessness, and the pursuit of justice. Let's keep her legacy alive by teaching our young ones about the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman, ensuring her spirit continues to inspire generations to come.