Why Famous:Born into slavery in Maryland, Tubman escaped north in 1849 returning to rescue other slaves over a period of 8 years. During this time she used the secret Underground Railroad to free over 300 slaves and successfully evade capture.
Employed by the Union army in the US Civil War, she was the first woman to lead a raid helping liberate hundreds of slaves during the Combahee River Raid. In later life she was a strong supporter of women's suffrage.
1869-03-18 US Abolitionist Harriet Tubman marries civil war veteran Nelson Davis in Auburn NY
Events in the Life of Harriet Tubman
1849-09-17 Harriet Tubman 1st escapes slavery in Maryland with two of her brothers
1849-12-06 Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery in Maryland for the 2nd and final time
1860-12-28 Harriet Tubman arrives in Auburn, New York, on her last mission to free slaves, having evaded capture for 8 years on the Underground Railroad
1863-06-02 Harriet Tubman leads Union guerrillas into Maryland, freeing slaves
1978-02-01 Harriet Tubman is 1st African American woman to be honored on a US postage stamp
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