Harriet Tubman: The Underground Railroad
Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom—then risked her life repeatedly to lead others north via the Underground Railroad. Her courage, strategy, and selfless dedication to liberation made her one of America's greatest heroes.
By completing this study guide, you will be able to:
- Explain what the Underground Railroad was and how it operated
- Understand Harriet Tubman's role as a conductor and her methods
- Analyze her contributions during the Civil War as scout, spy, and military leader
- Discuss her post-war activism for women's suffrage and elderly care
- Evaluate her lasting impact on social justice movements
Moses of Her People
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. As an enslaved person, she endured brutal conditions, including a severe head injury as a teenager that caused lifelong seizures and visions. Despite this, she remained strong and determined.
In 1849, fearing she would be sold South, Tubman escaped to Philadelphia. But freedom didn't satisfy her—not while her family and others remained enslaved. She became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of routes and safe houses helping enslaved people escape to free states and Canada.
Over the next decade, Tubman made approximately 13 dangerous journeys back to Maryland, rescuing around 70 people—including her own family members. She never lost a passenger. Her success earned her the biblical nickname 'Moses' for leading her people to freedom. Her famous words capture her philosophy: "I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves."
Timeline of Courage
A life dedicated to freedom and justice
Born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland
Escaped slavery to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Made approximately 13 rescue missions to Maryland, freeing around 70 enslaved people
Served Union Army as scout, spy, and nurse during Civil War
Led Combahee River Raid, freeing over 700 enslaved people—first woman to lead armed military operation in U.S. history
Purchased land in Auburn, New York for home for elderly African Americans
Donated her property to African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Died in Auburn, New York, surrounded by family and friends
Major Achievements
A legacy of liberation and service
The Underground Railroad
Led approximately 13 rescue missions, freeing around 70 enslaved people. Used coded spirituals, night travel, and safe houses. Never lost a passenger—earning the nickname 'Moses' for leading her people to freedom.
Civil War Service
Served as scout, spy, and nurse for Union Army. Led the Combahee River Raid in 1863, becoming the first woman in U.S. history to lead an armed military operation, freeing over 700 enslaved people in a single night.
Lifelong Activism
After the war, fought for women's suffrage alongside Susan B. Anthony. Established a home for elderly African Americans. Continued fighting for justice until her death at approximately age 91.
Key Themes
Understanding the significance of Tubman's legacy
Freedom Requires Action
Harriet Tubman couldn't enjoy freedom while others remained enslaved. Her deep commitment to justice and family drove her to return repeatedly to the dangerous South. Her famous quote shows she understood that freedom requires both physical escape and mental liberation.
Lasting Impact:
Her courage demonstrates that true liberation means coming back for those still oppressed—a principle that continues to guide social justice movements today.
Study Questions
- What was the Underground Railroad, and how did it work?
- Why do you think Harriet Tubman kept returning to the South after gaining her own freedom?
- What does her quote about freeing slaves mean about understanding oppression?
Strategic Brilliance
Tubman was more than brave—she was brilliant. She carried a gun for protection, used coded spirituals to communicate, traveled only at night, and knew every safe house and route. During the Civil War, her intelligence gathering helped Union forces.
Lasting Impact:
Showed that effective activism requires strategy, planning, and intelligence, not just courage. Her methods inspired future resistance movements.
Study Questions
- What strategies did Harriet Tubman use to successfully lead people to freedom?
- How did her work as a spy during the Civil War demonstrate her strategic thinking?
- Why was the Combahee River Raid historically significant?
Use these prompts for deeper reflection, class discussions, or essay assignments:
1. Beyond the Underground Railroad, what other significant contributions did Harriet Tubman make during and after the Civil War?
2. How does Harriet Tubman's legacy continue to inspire social justice movements today?
3. Compare Tubman's strategies for freeing enslaved people with modern resistance movements. What tactics remain relevant?
4. Discuss the meaning of Tubman's quote: 'I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.' What does this teach about liberation?
Why Harriet Tubman Still Matters
Harriet Tubman's courage, strategic thinking, and selfless dedication to liberation serve as a blueprint for modern activism. Her work demonstrates that one person's courage can spark massive change, that freedom requires action and sacrifice, and that true liberation means coming back for those still oppressed.
Her story reminds us that oppression can only be fought with a combination of courage and strategy. Tubman didn't just act—she planned, prepared, and executed brilliantly. Modern movements for justice continue to learn from her methods.
Most importantly, Tubman showed that freedom isn't just about escaping oppression—it's about ensuring others can escape too. Her refusal to rest while others suffered continues to inspire activists fighting all forms of injustice today.
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
— Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman made approximately 13 missions and rescued around 70 enslaved people. She never lost a passenger. She carried a gun for protection and used spirituals to communicate. This lesson connects to American history, geography, music, and discussions about courage and justice. Consider having students map Underground Railroad routes, analyze coded spirituals, research the Combahee River Raid, or explore modern human rights movements that draw inspiration from Tubman's legacy.
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