Harriet Tubman An American Hero

Who Was Harriet Tubman?

Minty Ross Araminta Ross was born into slavery in 1822 Araminta was born in Maryland Araminta was known as Minty When she was 5 years old she was hired out to do child-care When she was 12 years old she was doing field work and hauling logs Minty said “I grew up like a neglected weed.” Harriet Tubman was not always known by this name.

I grew up like a neglected weed. Turn & Talk Take 20 seconds and talk to your shoulder partner. What do you think Minty meant when she said that she grew up like a neglected weed? I grew up like a neglected weed.

As Minty Grows, Slavery Grows

Slavery Separates When the Atlantic slave trade ended people in the Southern states became upset. They could no longer get slaves from Africa. Farmers in Southern states went to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to find slaves. Young slaves were sold and sent to work in cotton fields. 2 of Minty’s sisters were separated from their family to work in cotton fields in the South.

Minty on the run! Minty and 2 of her brothers tried to runaway and escape slavery. Here is a newspaper advertisement that was put out for them.

Minty becomes Harriet In 1844 Minty married a free black man named John Tubman. Minty was still a slave even though she married someone who was not a slave. Minty changed her name to Harriet Tubman. She took her mom’s first name (Harriet) and her husband’s last name (Tubman)

Harriet the Runaway In 1849 Harriet’s master died. Harriet decided to run away! Harriet’s husband would not go with her. Harriet travelled all the way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person; now I was free. There was such a glory over everything. I felt like I was in heaven.”

New Canaan Bound

The Underground Railroad The “railroad” had no rails and except for the occasional hidden basement, it had no underground. It was a series of safe houses strung out along routes that extended from the slave border states to Canada. The safe houses were owned by people, white, and black, who hated slavery and hated the Fugitive Slave Act.

Moses & Cargo

What Was Harriet Tubman’s Greatest Achievement?

Document A

Harriet’s Southern Route to Freedom

Harriet’s Northern Route to Freedom

Document B Imagine you are going to run away from school. You plan to leave on Saturday night because you normally rest on Sunday and won’t be missed until Monday morning when you are supposed to be at school. You are going to travel by foot and can only take what you can carry. If anyone finds you in Florida they can take you to jail and will receive $500. If they find you out of the state of Florida they can take you to jail and receive $1,000. Tonight’s Homework: Make a list of what will you take on your trip. Be prepared to share in class.

Document C Harriet Tubman was a SPY! Her mission was to free as many slaves as she could. Harriet knew how to stay hidden while getting lots of useful information. You are now a spy in 1855. It’s Friday and your plan is to free a family of slaves tomorrow night. You are observing them as well as their master. Describe in detail what you see. Use sensory details to show what you hear, feel, see, and smell as you are spying.

Document D When Harriet talks to Sarah she is very descriptive. Harriet uses simile and metaphor to describe what she saw and felt. Write a journal entry about Harriet’s day. Make sure to use figurative language to make your reader feel like they are experiencing the day with Harriet. Tonight’s Homework: Illustrate your description and be ready to share and show in class.

Document E

What Was Harriet Tubman’s Greatest Achievement?