Who helped Harriet Tubman on her journey? This question often piques the curiosity of many, as Harriet Tubman, a renowned abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad, was able to escape from slavery and then return to the South to free countless others. The answer to this question is not just one individual but rather a network of supporters and allies who played crucial roles in her life and liberation efforts.
Harriet Tubman’s journey to freedom began in 1849 when she was 29 years old. She escaped from the plantation in Maryland where she was enslaved, a daring act that took immense courage and planning. One of her most significant helpers was her husband, Nelson Davis, who provided her with the initial financial assistance needed to buy a ticket to freedom. Nelson, a free Black man, also helped Harriet secure a passage to Philadelphia, where she would be safe from the clutches of slavery.
Another key figure in Harriet Tubman’s journey was her friend and fellow enslaved person, Moses Roper. Moses was able to pass as a free Black man and traveled with Harriet to Philadelphia, providing her with invaluable assistance in the transition to freedom. Moses also helped Harriet in her subsequent missions to the South, as he was familiar with the terrain and the people who would aid in her endeavors.
The Underground Railroad, a secret network of abolitionists and supporters, played a pivotal role in Harriet Tubman’s success. Many individuals, both Black and White, contributed to the Railroad’s operations, providing food, shelter, and guidance to escaping slaves. Among these individuals were Quakers, who were particularly active in the Underground Railroad movement. They provided Harriet with shelter and assistance during her many missions.
Harriet Tubman’s own family members also played significant roles in her journey. Her brother, Ben, was instrumental in helping her escape by providing her with a hiding place and ensuring her safe passage to the North. Additionally, her sister, Rachel, and her mother, Harriet Green, were active supporters of the Underground Railroad, often helping to hide and care for escaping slaves.
Harriet Tubman’s journey to freedom and her subsequent efforts to free others were not solely the result of individual acts of bravery. It was the collective effort of a network of supporters and allies who believed in the cause of abolition and were willing to take risks to help Harriet Tubman on her journey. These individuals, from her family to her friends and the countless others who contributed to the Underground Railroad, all played a crucial role in Harriet Tubman’s remarkable life and legacy.
