Harriet Tubman

The original caption for this photograph reads: This black-and-white photo shows Harriet Tubman posed, standing with her hands perched on a chair. Tubman was the most famous conductor along the Underground Railroad, the secret slave escape network of the Civil War years.

Harriet Tubman’s name is synonymous with the Underground Railroad for her work helping runaway slaves escape to their freedom. Once the Civil War began and more paths to freedom opened, she concentrated her efforts on supporting the Union.

Tubman transferred the stealthy skills she mastered while working in the Underground Railroad to help the Union in the Civil War. While serving as a scout in the Union Army, Harriet Tubman earned the distinction of being the first American woman to lead American troops into battle. She also served as a nurse, cook, and spy.

After the war she received a pension as the widow of Union veteran Nelson Davis, who had served as a private in the 8th United States Colored Infantry, but she received very little compensation for her own service. For decades she petitioned Congress seeking additional benefits for her service. An increase in her pension was finally granted by an act of Congress in 1899.