Harriet Tubman's Milestones
Birth
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, to enslaved parents Ben Ross and Harriet Green.
Childhood and labor
Worked as a child laborer on plantations and suffered harsh treatment.
Sustained head injury
Sustained a severe head injury from a blow by an overseer, resulting in lifelong health issues and visions.
Marriage to John Tubman
Married John Tubman, a free Black man; kept his surname after escaping.
Escape from slavery
Escaped slavery and fled to Philadelphia, leaving her family behind.
Underground Railroad rescues
Led about 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people via the Underground Railroad.
Rescue missions for family
Returned to Maryland multiple times to rescue family members from slavery.
Assisted John Brown
Assisted abolitionist John Brown in planning the raid on Harpers Ferry.
Civil War service
Served as a nurse, cook, scout, and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War; led the Combahee River Raid, freeing over 700 enslaved people.
Marriage to Nelson Davis
Married Civil War veteran Nelson Davis.
Women's suffrage activism
Advocated for women's suffrage and civil rights, speaking at national events.
Established Home for the Aged
Founded the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, to care for elderly African Americans.
Death
Harriet Tubman died in Auburn, New York, honored as a hero of freedom.