The Underground Railroad was a secret network of safe houses and brave people who helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the North. Harriet Tubman, its most famous conductor, bravely made about 13 missions. Discover how this real-life hero used the North Star to guide her amazing journeys!
What if you learned about a real-life hero who was so brave, she went back into danger *again and again* just to help others find freedom?
Get ready to meet Harriet Tubman! Born Araminta Ross around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, she was born into slavery. That meant her life was not her own, and she was treated like property. But Harriet had a spirit that just couldn't be stopped! She dreamed of liberty, and one night in 1849, she made a daring escape all by herself, traveling north to freedom in Pennsylvania. But that wasn't the end of her story—it was just the beginning of her most amazing adventures!
Mira says:
"Wow, Finn! She escaped by herself, and then went *back*? That takes more courage than flying to the moon! She must have known the path like the back of her hand."
What Was the Underground Railroad?
Imagine a secret travel system with no real tracks, no train cars, and definitely no tickets! That’s what the Underground Railroad was like. It wasn't actually underground, and it wasn't a railroad!
It was a secret network of safe houses, hidden routes, and brave people who were against slavery. People who helped the escaping enslaved people were called 'conductors'—and Harriet Tubman was the most famous one of all!
Mind-Blowing Fact!
Harriet Tubman was nicknamed 'Moses' because, just like the biblical figure who led people to freedom, she guided many enslaved people out of danger!
Harriet Tubman's Amazing Rescue Missions
Once Harriet was free, she didn't just stay safe. She knew her family and friends were still trapped. So, she became a 'conductor' on the Underground Railroad, risking her life every time she traveled south. She used the North Star to guide her at night.
She made many trips back into the South, always moving secretly and cleverly to avoid slave catchers who wanted to capture her. She would use disguises and local knowledge to stay hidden.
Back into the South
Personally rescued by Harriet
A single 'passenger'!
How Did Harriet Tubman Become a Spy and Soldier?
When the Civil War started in 1861, Harriet knew she could help the fight for freedom in a new way. She bravely offered her skills to the Union Army!
She worked as a cook and a nurse first, caring for sick soldiers and newly freed people. But her knowledge of the land made her too valuable to stay in just one place.
Leading the Combahee River Raid
Harriet became an armed scout and spy, gathering secret information behind enemy lines. Her greatest military moment came in 1863 when she helped lead an armed raid along the Combahee River in South Carolina.
This mission was incredible: Harriet Tubman became the first woman in US history to lead an armed military operation! They successfully destroyed Confederate supplies and liberated over 700 enslaved people in a single night.
💡 Did You Know?
When Harriet was just a young girl, she suffered a terrible head injury when an angry overseer threw a heavy, two-pound weight meant for someone else. This injury caused her to have seizures and intense headaches for the rest of her life, yet she never let it stop her heroic work!
🎯 Quick Quiz!
What famous nickname was Harriet Tubman given because of her work on the Underground Railroad?
What Did Harriet Tubman Do After the War?
After the Civil War ended, Harriet didn't stop fighting for what was right. She settled down in Auburn, New York, but she kept working for fairness for everyone. She knew that freedom also meant having a place to live and being treated with respect.
She spent the rest of her very long life as a champion for older and less fortunate African Americans, helping to establish a home for them. She also became a strong supporter of the women's suffrage movement, fighting for women's right to vote!
- She was born Araminta Ross around 1822, but changed her name to Harriet later.
- She helped write a book about her adventures called *Scenes In The Life of Harriet Tubman* in 1869.
- She continued to work for freedom and equality until she passed away in 1913 at about 90 years old.
- She was honored as a Brigadier General in the Maryland National Guard long after she died for her Civil War service!
Harriet Tubman lived an incredible life full of danger, amazing bravery, and deep dedication to helping others. Her famous quote, “I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had the right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other,” shows exactly why she is remembered as one of America's bravest heroes for kids to learn about!
Questions Kids Ask About American History
Keep Exploring Freedom's History!
Harriet Tubman showed us that one person, full of courage, can change the world for so many others. What a fantastic adventurer and freedom fighter! To hear more about amazing people who stood up for what's right, check out our other American History episodes!
