The Underground Railroad by Vicky Shipton
The Story of Harriet Tubman
Slaves were brought to America from Africa hundreds of years ago. Many states in the north of America did not allow slavery. These states were called "free states". Harriet Tubman was living in Maryland and the nearest free state was Pennsylania. It was 100 miles away.
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| Map showing the locations of Maryland and Pennsylvania |
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| There are 50 states in the USA today. |
Harriet Tubman, an African-American, was born to parents Harriet Green and Ben Moss in Dorchester, Maryland. At the early age of five or six, her master rented her to Miss Susan. Her master used to beat her badly. She protected herself from the beating by wrapping herself in multiple layers of clothes.
In 1844, Harriet married John Tubman. He was a free black man. And in 1849, Harriet's master tried to sell her. Harriet was against this decision and together with her two brothers, she fled from her master's house soon after his death.
Her two brothers returned to their owners, fearful of repercussions to the family. But Harriet would not stop.
Harriet Tubman contacted the network known as the Underground Railroad asking for their help in a further escape plane. She was successful in her escape and fled to the North
After reaching Pennsylvania, Tubman began thinking of her family. So she headed back to Maryland to help guide away other family members. She led more individuals out of slavery. Over then years Harriet Tubman made 19 trips to help other slaves to freedom in the north.
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| President Abraham Lincoln |
Her dream came true, when President Abraham Lincoln banned slavery in all the states of America.
Harriet Tubman dedicated a lifetime to the establishment of equality. She was a source of inspiration for many. Her relentless struggle for equality and civil rights was the one of its kind. Born in a slave family, and after going through all the torture, she emerged instrumental in guiding the Blacks towards liberty.
In 1897, Queen Victoria gave a medal to Harriet to honor a brave woman who had led over 300 people to freedom.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glossary
plantation: a big farm where crops like cotton were grown.
slave: a person who was "owned" by another person; a person with no freedom.
slave owner: a person "owning" slaves who worked for him or her.
abolitionism: a movement to end slavery.
state: an area in the USA. There are 50 states in the USA today.
