Today in 1863: Readers of “Harper's Weekly” learn of a daring raid by U.S. forces into rebel-held territory in South Carolina that delivered more than 700 enslaved people to freedom.
For many, this piece was their introduction to the one, the only: Harriet Tubman.
For many, this piece was their introduction to the one, the only: Harriet Tubman.
In 1863, Harriet Tubman was an already an accomplished leader in the fight to end slavery.
After escaping from bondage in Maryland in 1849, she returned to the state 13 times and led more than 70 people to freedom.
[📷: @NMAAHC]
After escaping from bondage in Maryland in 1849, she returned to the state 13 times and led more than 70 people to freedom.
[📷: @NMAAHC]
When the Civil War began, Tubman volunteered to serve on the front lines in South Carolina. There, she worked as cook, nurse—& spy.
Tubman recruited & commanded formerly enslaved men to serve as the military scouts. She also co-planned this unprecedented raid behind enemy lines
Tubman recruited & commanded formerly enslaved men to serve as the military scouts. She also co-planned this unprecedented raid behind enemy lines
On June 2, 1863, Tubman guided the 2nd Regiment South Carolina Volunteer Infantry—a regiment of Black soldiers—on gunboats up the Combahee River. The soldiers destroyed enemy bridges, burned several plantations, and helped liberate more than 700 enslaved people.
The July 4 article in “Harper's Weekly” did not mention Tubman's involvement in the Combahee River Raid. Other reports corrected that error.
One noted that the operation was "originated and conducted" under Tubman; the headline read "A Black she 'Moses'"
One noted that the operation was "originated and conducted" under Tubman; the headline read "A Black she 'Moses'"
Decades later, Harriet Tubman petitioned for a pension reflecting her service as a commander during the war. The U.S. government refused, instead granted her a smaller pension that reflected her service as a nurse and her status as a veteran's widow: s.si.edu/2YUgDml
Harriet Tubman was granted a monthly pension of $20.
Ironically, her military service during the Civil War helped fuel campaigns to put her likeness on *every* $20 bill:
Ironically, her military service during the Civil War helped fuel campaigns to put her likeness on *every* $20 bill:
