Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, was a brave and resilient woman during the Civil War. She was an abolitionist and worked for the Union Army. As their nurse, she aided the wounded and sick. Tubman also gathered intelligence as a spy alongside a group of former slaves. She helped the Union soldiers to find Confederate camps and track the troops’ movements. Before the Civil War she led slaves who wanted freedom to the North, through the Underground Railroad. She helped approximately 70 people to escape. Tubman is the definition of determination and defiance.
Interesting facts:
She was known as the “Moses of her people”. She is also considered the first African-American woman to serve in the military. She did not create the Underground Railroad, however, she is the most famous “conductor” of the organization. She was never caught nor lost a “passenger”.
Statue information:
The bust was used as a model for the actual statue in Harlem at West 122nd St. and St. Nicholas Avenue. Looking at the bust, you can see the faces of those who Tubman saved etched into her dress. The pedestal that Tubman is on depicts people holding hands rejoicing. This illustrates how former slaves enjoyed their new found freedom and the effect Tubman had on their lives. The bottom detail of the dress implies that she is the train itself, carrying its passengers to freedom and safety.
The bust was used as a model for the actual statue in Harlem at West 122nd St. and St. Nicholas Avenue. Looking at the bust, you can see the faces of those who Tubman saved etched into her dress. The pedestal that Tubman is on depicts people holding hands rejoicing. This illustrates how former slaves enjoyed their new found freedom and the effect Tubman had on their lives. The bottom detail of the dress implies that she is the train itself, carrying its passengers to freedom and safety.
Citations:- Library, Americas. “Harriet Tubman.” The First March From Selma, www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/tubman/aa_tubman_spy_1.html.
- “Museum Collections.” New-York Historical Society, www.nyhistory.org/exhibit/swing-low-harriet-tubman-memorial.
- Editors, Biography.com. “Harriet Tubman.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 5 Mar. 2018, www.biography.com/people/harriet-tubman-9511430.
- “Harriet Tubman.” Edited by Debra Michals, National Women's History Museum, 2015, www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/harriet-tubman.