Harriet Tubman’s Courageous Journey- How She Guided Her Parents to Freedom
Did Harriet Tubman get her parents to freedom? This question often sparks curiosity and intrigue among those fascinated by the history of the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman, known as the “Moses of her people,” played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement. However, the specifics of her involvement in her parents’ freedom journey remain a subject of historical debate and speculation.
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland in 1822. Her parents, Harriet Ross and Ben Ross, were both enslaved individuals. When Harriet was about 12 years old, she witnessed the attempted murder of her sister by her owner, which led her to become involved in the Underground Railroad. As an escaped slave herself, she dedicated her life to helping others find freedom.
While it is widely believed that Harriet Tubman played a significant role in her own liberation, the extent of her involvement in her parents’ freedom journey remains uncertain. Some historians suggest that she may have assisted her parents in escaping to freedom, while others argue that they managed to free themselves without her direct help.
One theory suggests that Harriet Tubman’s parents, Harriet Ross and Ben Ross, escaped to Philadelphia after the death of Harriet’s master. This event may have inspired her to join the Underground Railroad. According to this account, Harriet Tubman later traveled to Philadelphia to search for her parents, but they had already settled there before she arrived.
Another theory posits that Harriet Tubman did not get her parents to freedom until much later in her life. This version of events suggests that she was initially too young and inexperienced to take on such a dangerous task. It was only after gaining more experience and confidence in her abilities that she returned to the South to help her parents escape.
Regardless of the exact details, it is clear that Harriet Tubman’s commitment to freedom was unwavering. Her incredible bravery and determination led her to become one of the most influential figures in the fight against slavery. Over the course of her life, she is believed to have led more than 300 enslaved individuals to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
In conclusion, while the specifics of Harriet Tubman’s involvement in her parents’ freedom journey may never be fully known, her dedication to the cause of abolition is undeniable. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and courage of those who fought for freedom during one of the darkest periods in American history.