Harriet Tubman

Birth

Mar 3, 1820

I was born in Maryland in 1820. My actual date of birth is unknown though.

Severe head damage

Jan 1, 1835

I recieved severe head damage from not restraining a runaway slave. A weight was thrown at my head causing seizures and severe headaches for the rest of my life.

Married

Mar 22, 1844

In 1844 I married a free black man named John Tubman.

escaped slavery

Mar 22, 1849

In 1849 I escaped slavery and ran away to Philadelphia using the underground railroad.

The Fugitive Slave Law

Mar 22, 1850

In 1850 the fugitive slave law was passed allowing runaway slaves to be captured and returned to slavery.

Reroute of the Underground Railroad

Mar 22, 1850

The passing of the Fugitive Slave Law caused me to have to reroute the underground railroad into Canada.

Official Confuctor of UGRR

Sep 1, 1850

In September, I was made an official "conductor" of the UGRR.

Auction

Dec 1, 1850

In December of 1850, my niece and children were bought at an auction by my niece’s free husband. I helped them make the journey to Philadelphia to live free.

Divorce

Mar 22, 1851

John Tubman and I got divorced in 1851. John Tubman wanted to stay in Maryland with his new wife.

Led 11 slaves to freedom

Mar 22, 1851

In 1851, I led a group of 11 fugitives to freedom in the north.

Conducted last rescue mission before Civil War

Nov 1, 1851

November 1861, I conducted my last rescue mission before the nation went into the Civil War.

Most dangerous rescue yet

Apr 1, 1857

The spring of 1857 was the time when I set out on my most daring rescue to free my elderly father, Ben Ross. I bought a train ticket for myself and traveled in broad daylight which was dangerous considering the bounty for my head.

Met abolitionist John Bown

Apr 1, 1858

In April 1858, I was introduced to abolitionist John Brown, who tried to use violence to disrupt and attempt to destroy slavery.

Brown was hung

Dec 2, 1859

Brown was hung on December 2nd, 1859.

Harriet became active in Civil War

Mar 22, 1861

I became active in the Civil War by serving the Union as a nurse and cook before quickly becoming an armed scout and spy.

Accompanied Colonel James Montgomery

Jun 1, 1863

I accompanied Colonel James Montgomery assaulting several plantations along the Combahee River. Resulting in the rescue of more than 700 slaves.

Married again

Mar 22, 1869

In 1869 I got re-married to Nelson Davis and stayed married until Nelson died in 1888.

Harriet had a child

Mar 22, 1876

In 1876 my daughter, Gertie Davis, was born. Date and location of birth are unknown.

Awarded with a nurses pension

Mar 22, 1880

I was eventually awarded with a nurse’s pension after having great difficulty in receiving one of any kind.

Death

Mar 10, 1913

Before I died on March 10, 1913, I gave my home for the elderly to the Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. I was buried with military rites in Fort Hill Cemetery, a short drive from the home.

Harriets qualities

Mar 22, 1920

I have many qualities that made me capable of doing what I did. I am valiant, hardworking, resourceful, unwavering, unselfish and generous. All these qualities made what I did possible.