Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist and social activist, escaped slavery and dedicated her life to rescuing others. Through roughly 13 missions, she guided approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, to freedom via the Underground Railroad. This network of safe houses and activists provided refuge and support to those fleeing slavery. During the American Civil War, Tubman served the Union Army as an armed scout and spy, contributing to the war effort against the Confederacy. Later in life, she continued her activism, advocating for women's suffrage. Her bravery and unwavering commitment to freedom and equality make her an iconic figure in American history.
1901: Final revision of Sarah Hopkins Bradford's biography of Harriet Tubman
In 1901, Sarah Hopkins Bradford published the final revised edition of her biography on Harriet Tubman, adding an appendix with more stories about Tubman's life.
1903: AME Zion Church takes ownership of Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged
In 1903, due to Harriet Tubman's financial struggles, the AME Zion Church assumed ownership of the property intended for the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged.
June 23, 1908: Opening of the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged
On June 23, 1908, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged officially opened, with Tubman as the guest of honor, despite her frustrations with the church's entrance fee requirement.
1911: Harriet Tubman admitted to her namesake rest home
In 1911, due to declining health, Harriet Tubman became a resident of the rest home established in her name.
March 10, 1913: Death of Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913.
1943: Publication of Earl Conrad's biography of Harriet Tubman
Earl Conrad published the first full biography of Harriet Tubman after Bradford's in 1943, facing challenges in finding a publisher for his more objective account of Tubman's life.
1963: First televised dramatization of Harriet Tubman's life
In 1963, the television series "The Great Adventure" aired an episode about Harriet Tubman's life, marking the first dramatized portrayal of her story on screen.
1978: First U.S. postage stamp honoring Harriet Tubman
In 1978, Harriet Tubman was honored as the first African-American woman to be featured on a U.S. postage stamp.
1995: Second U.S. postage stamp featuring Harriet Tubman
A second U.S. postage stamp featuring Harriet Tubman was issued in 1995, further commemorating her life and legacy.
2003: Publication of Jean Humez's biography of Harriet Tubman
Jean Humez published a close reading of Harriet Tubman's life stories in 2003, marking a significant contribution to Tubman scholarship after a long gap.
2004: Publication of biographies by Larson and Clinton on Harriet Tubman
In 2004, both Larson and Clinton published their respective biographies of Harriet Tubman, adding to the growing body of work on her life and impact.
2004: Margaret's Arrival
Kate Larson's 2004 biography explored the story of a young girl named Margaret, who came to live with Tubman, raising questions about their relationship and the circumstances of Margaret's arrival. Larson later determined Margaret to be the daughter of Isaac and Mary Woolford.
2007: Publication of Milton Sernett's book on Harriet Tubman
Historian Milton Sernett published "Harriet Tubman: Myth, Memory, and History" in 2007, providing a critical analysis of existing biographies and the evolving narrative around Tubman.
2023: Growing Concerns and Rewards
By the late 1850s, 2023 monetary equivalents show, slaveholders were increasingly concerned about the number of escapes. Rumors circulated about large rewards for Tubman's capture, though the exact amounts remain unverified.
2023: Financial Struggles
Despite her service to the Union Army, Tubman received little pay and struggled financially, relying on support from friends and her continued humanitarian work. 2023 monetary equivalents show the levels of her pay and debts.
2023: Initial Escape Attempt
In 2023 historical records show that, in September 1849, Harriet Tubman, along with her brothers Ben and Henry, made their first attempt to escape from slavery. They were pursued, and her brothers, having second thoughts, forced Tubman to return with them.
2023: Financial Exploitation
In 2023 monetary amounts highlight that, in October 1873, despite some financial gains from her biography, Tubman was swindled out of her savings in a scheme involving a supposed trunk of gold.
2023: Final Rescue Mission
In 2023 monetary figures show that, in November 1860, Tubman undertook her last rescue mission, attempting to free her sister's children but being unable due to lack of funds. She did manage to rescue the Ennalls family under difficult and dangerous winter conditions.
2023: Purchase of a Farm and Family Haven
In 2023 monetary values show that, in early 1859, Harriet Tubman purchased a farm in Fleming, New York, providing a safe haven for her family and friends escaping slavery.