“The Moses of Her People”: Ten Little-Known Facts about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

By: Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services
Sunday, April 15, 2018

Born into slavery in Maryland, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849.

Making use of the secret network known as the Underground Railroad, Tubman traveled nearly 90 miles to Philadelphia. She crossed into the free state of Pennsylvania with a feeling of relief and awe, later recalling, “When I found I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything; the sun came like gold through the trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in Heaven.”

Tubman eventually became the most famous "conductor" on the Underground Railroad. She risked her life many times to lead hundreds of people from the plantation slavery system to freedom.  A leading abolitionist before the Civil War, Tubman also helped the Union Army during the war, working as a nurse and as a spy, among other roles.  After the Civil War ended, Tubman dedicated her life to helping needy former slaves and the elderly. In honor of her life, the U.S. Treasury Department announced in 2016 that Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the new $20 bill.

Check out these ten interesting facts about this remarkable woman and the Underground Railroad she so famously guided:

  1. Harriet Tubman’s birth name was Araminta Ross. She was nicknamed “Minty” by her mother.
  2. In 1844 she married John Tubman, a free African American.  After Harriet escaped, she came back for him but he had married another woman.
  3. In her ten years conducting the Underground Railroad, Tubman made 19 trips and guided her parents, siblings, relatives and friends, for a total of about 300 slaves.
  4. The Underground Railroad was not underground nor was it a railroad. It was called “underground” because of its secretive nature and “railroad” because it was an emerging form of transportation.
  5. The Underground Railroad had many routes: most went to northern states, Canada, or Mexico.
  6. Underground Railroad code was used in songs sung by slaves to communicate with one another.
  7. Historians estimate that about 100,000 slaves escaped using the Underground Railroad network.
  8. Harriet Tubman remained illiterate for her entire life.
  9. She was buried with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, New York.
  10. The US Maritime Commission named its first Liberty Ship after her.

 

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

What to Consider When Deciding Where to Sit at a Funeral

Whether you’re a close friend or a casual acquaintance, knowing where to sit at a funeral can help you show the right level of support. The most important part of attending a funeral or memorial s...

Funeral Planning for Blended Families: Navigating Complex Relationships

The emotional aspects of saying goodbye can be harder to navigate when funeral planning for blended families is involved. Blended families are a growing part of modern society, with an increasing ...

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: 10 Facts Everyone Should Know

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of screening, prevention, and early detection. Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S., yet it i...

Dealing with Unexpected Loss? Five Strategies for Getting the Support You Need

When dealing with unexpected loss, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed—but there are ways to navigate this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy, but when death is sudden, the emotional imp...

Want to Create a Meaningful Tribute? Don't Overlook the Importance of Obituaries

The importance of obituaries cannot be overstated because they are the place where our loved ones’ life stories are recorded forever. Obituaries are an important way of publicly remembering the pe...

Medical Alert Systems for Seniors: Six Important Things to Know

A medical alert system ensures that older adults can access help when needed, regardless of where they are in their homes.            &nb...

Planning a Cremation Memorial Service? Here are Seven Important Things to Do

A cremation memorial service allows you to honor your loved one’s life in a way that reflects their personality and values. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a larger ceremony, there are...

Preventing Winter Falls: Eight Safety Tips Every Senior Should Know

By planning ahead and being mindful of hazards, preventing winter falls can help seniors enjoy the season safely. While winter can be a beautiful time of the year, it also poses unique safety chal...

Memorial Service FAQs: Key Information to Help You Honor Your Loved One

When planning a tribute, memorial service FAQs can help you navigate the details to properly honor your loved one’s life and legacy. A memorial service or celebration of life is an uplifting cerem...

What is the Role of the Funeral Home? Five Things Everyone Should Know

The role of a funeral home extends far beyond logistics it’s about guiding families through loss with care and compassion. Dealing with the loss is a challenging and emotional journey. The grievin...