Harriet Tubman (circa 1822-1913) was a former slave, abolitionist, women's rights activist, and famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. She served as a cook, nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army during the American Civil War and, in her later years, established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn and Fleming, New York, now a National Historic Site.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 1822 - 1913Life of Harriet Tubman.
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c. 1835Harriet Tubman sustains a head injury which results in "sleeping spells" and visions for the rest of her life.
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1844Harriet Tubman marries to John Tubman and changes her name.
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1849Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery.
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17 Sep 1849Abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery with her two brothers, Ben and Henry, but they then have second thoughts, forcing her to return with them to captivity. Tubman then fled at some point in October or November alone, escaping to the north and freedom.
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1850 - 1860Harriet Tubman is a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
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1858 - 1859Harriet Tubman supports the militancy of John Brown and helps plan the raid on Harpers Ferry.
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1862 - 1865Harriet Tubman serves the cause of the Union Army during the American Civil War.
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1869Harriet Tubman marries Nelson Davis.
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1888Nelson Davis dies; Harriet Tubman is given widow's benefits.
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1913Harriet Tubman dies of pneumonia.
