“I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say – I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.”

Harriet Tubman at a suffrage convention, NY, 1896.

Auburn glows with Harriet Tubman tributes and these tributes are well deserved.

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railway

From the National Park Service website it is noted Harriet and her brothers, all slaves, began this venture knowing they were to be sold. Wanting to change their fates, they escaped traveling from the Deep South making their way through Maryland, Delaware, and into Pennsylvania to achieve their freedom. During the journey Harriet made connections along the way and the Underground Railway was begun.

Despite the danger and risking her life this 5 foot tall woman returned again and again on this trek personally rescuing 70 individuals in 13 trips. Resources claims up to 700 found their way North through the connections Tubman developed. Her home and resource center remains in Auburn, however, closed during the winter. Look forward to this visit to learn more of this amazing woman come spring.