Harriet Tubman: Freedom or Death

Slave auction.

My Escape
I was working at the far end of the field one day when a Quaker woman slowed her buggy and told me if I ever needed help, she would be a true friend. Years later, after Master Brodas died, I felt God telling me it was time to go. I'd heard a rumor that I was going to be sold the next day. That night I slipped out into the darkness and began to run. I found my way to the Quaker woman's house.

"I'm Harriet Tubman," I told her. "You told me I could come to you if I needed help."

"Thee was right to come," the Quaker woman said. She explained to me that the Underground Railroad was not a railroad with trains but a group of friendly folks who were willing to help runaway slaves reach the free north. Telling only my sister, I left immediately, running through the woods. Following the North Star, I crossed through streams and lakes to throw the barking bloodhounds off my scent. At each safe house I was given a hearty meal and a bed to sleep in. My last stop was at the home of a shoemaker, who hid me in a secret room for two days. Early on Sunday morning, the sixth day after I had left the Brodas plantation, the shoemaker gave me clean clothes, a black veil to cover my face, and a new pair of shoes. He took me by carriage close to the Delaware-Pennsylvania border. He pressed a silver dollar into my hand and gave me a piece of paper with the word "Pennsylvania" written on it. "Thank you sir, and may God bless you for all your help to me," I said and began my final two miles to freedom.

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As I got near the signpost for Pennsylvania, I took out the piece of paper and held it up to the sign. The words matched! I was now breathing free air. No one would ever be able to whip or sell me again. I vowed never to return to the south. But as time passed, I began to feel very lonely for my family. I wanted them to be free too. I worked very hard and saved money so I could go back and help anyone who wanted to escape.

postscript
Harriet Tubman was called the Moses of her people. She made 19 trips back to Maryland, leading more than 300 slaves to freedom, including her family. A $40,000 reward was issued for her capture, dead or alive. She narrowly escaped capture many times, but credited God for rescuing her from her trouble and directing her daily.

• Suggested reading:
  • Harriet Tubman: Freedom Bound by Janet & Geoff Benge (Heroes of History series, Emerald Books)
  • Listen for the Whippoorwill by Dave & Neta Jackson (Trailblazer Books, Bethany House)
• Websites:
  • Harriet Tubman at Christian History Institute
  • Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
  • Harriet Tubman (America's Library)
• Activities:
  • Tubman Word Search
  • Harriet Tubman quiz