Harriet Tubman (c. March 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist, humanitarian, and social activist born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland. After escaping slavery in 1849, she became the most famous "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, making approximately 13 missions to rescue around 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, guiding them to freedom through a network of safe houses and antislavery activists
. Tubman was known as "Moses" for her leadership and courage in leading enslaved people to freedom. During the American Civil War, she served the Union Army as a nurse, cook, armed scout, and spy. Notably, in June 1863, she became the first woman to lead an armed military raid—the Combahee River Raid—which liberated more than 700 enslaved people
. After the war, Tubman was active in the women's suffrage movement and spent her later years caring for aging relatives and advocating for civil rights. She is widely regarded as an iconic figure of courage, freedom, and resistance against slavery
. Her early life was marked by harsh treatment and a traumatic head injury that caused lifelong health issues and visions she attributed to divine guidance. Tubman's deep religious faith motivated much of her work
. In summary, Harriet Tubman was a former enslaved woman who became a leading abolitionist, Underground Railroad conductor, Civil War spy and military leader, and later a women's rights activist, symbolizing the fight for freedom and equality in American history
