Harriet Tubman worked tirelessly to help others create a new life. Born a slave, she escaped to freedom in 1849. Harriet soon returned south to assist her family to freedom, thereby beginning a career as a “conductor” of the Underground Railroad. Known as “the Moses of her people,” she helped over 300 slaves escape to freedom to Canada through the network of routes and safe houses. During the Civil War she assisted the Union Army as a spy, scout and nurse. Her good works continued throughout her life. In her eighties Harriet contributed money to found a home to care for aging African Americans.
Harriet Tubman was the first African American woman to be honored on a U.S. postage stamp. The 13-cent stamp was the first in the Black Heritage series, initiated in 1978.
