History of Harriet Tubman in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

Harriet Tubman was a pivotal American abolitionist and social activist who escaped slavery and subsequently risked her life to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people through the Underground Railroad. She embarked on around 13 missions to guide individuals, including family, to freedom. During the Civil War, she served the Union Army as an armed scout and spy, providing crucial intelligence. Later in life, Tubman became a dedicated activist in the women's suffrage movement, advocating for women's right to vote. Her bravery and commitment to equality cemented her legacy as a significant figure in American history.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Legacy & Impact

1901: Final revision of biography

In 1901, a final revision of Sarah Hopkins Bradford's biography of Harriet Tubman was published, adding an appendix with more stories about Tubman's life.

1903: AME Zion Takes Over Tubman Home

In 1903, after Harriet Tubman almost lost the property due to financial difficulties, the AME Zion church agreed to take over the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged.

June 23, 1908: Opening of the Harriet Tubman Home

On June 23, 1908, the Harriet Tubman Home celebrated its opening, with Harriet Tubman as the guest of honor.

1911: Tubman Admitted to Rest Home

In 1911, Harriet Tubman's failing health led to her admission into the rest home named in her honor.

March 10, 1913: Harriet Tubman's Death

Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, died of pneumonia on March 10, 1913, surrounded by friends and family. She was buried with semi-military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, marking the end of her remarkable life as an abolitionist and social activist.

1943: Publication of Earl Conrad's biography

In 1943, Earl Conrad's "Harriet Tubman," the first full biography of Tubman after Bradford's, was published after a difficult search for a publisher. It aimed to be a more objective account of Tubman's life for adults.

1944: Launch of SS Harriet Tubman

In 1944, the United States Maritime Commission launched the SS Harriet Tubman, the first Liberty ship named for a black woman.

1963: First Television Dramatization of Tubman's Life

In 1963, Harriet Tubman's life was first dramatized on television in an episode of 'The Great Adventure'.

1978: First U.S. Postage Stamp

In 1978, Harriet Tubman became the first African-American woman honored on a U.S. postage stamp.

1995: Second Postage Stamp

In 1995, Harriet Tubman appeared on a second U.S. postage stamp.

2003: Jean Humez publishes biography

In 2003, Jean Humez published a biography providing a close reading of Harriet Tubman's life stories.

2004: Publication of Kate Larson's Biography

In 2004, Kate Larson's biography of Harriet Tubman was published, which used a midwife payment and other historical documents to determine that Tubman was likely born in March 1822.

2004: Biographies published by Larson and Clinton

In 2004, Larson and Clinton both published their biographies of Harriet Tubman.

2004: Speculation on Margaret's Identity

In her 2004 biography of Tubman, Kate Larson speculated Margaret might have been Tubman's own secret daughter.

2007: Milton Sernett publishes "Harriet Tubman: Myth, Memory, and History"

In 2007, Milton Sernett's book "Harriet Tubman: Myth, Memory, and History" was published, discussing the major biographies of Tubman up to that time.

2016: Plans to Add Tubman to Twenty-Dollar Bill

Beginning in 2016, plans were announced to add a portrait of Harriet Tubman to the front of the twenty-dollar bill.

2019: Release of 'Harriet' Film

In 2019, the theatrical film 'Harriet' was released, starring Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman, who received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal.

2023: Monetary Equivalent

In 2023, $1,200 was equivalent to $27,500.

November 11, 2024: Posthumous Commission as General

On November 11, 2024, Harriet Tubman was posthumously commissioned as a one-star general in the Maryland National Guard in recognition of her military service during the Civil War.