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The critically-acclaimed film Harriet recently came out at the U.S. box office, and (for most viewers) the movie is going to tell stories about this American historical figure that were previously unknown.
If you haven’t had time to get to the theatre yet, or you’re wanting to share details about a great American legend with your kids who are too young to view it, we’ve got you covered: here are 7 facts about Harriet Tubman that every American should know.
7. She never stopped serving others.
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After the war, Tubman continued to push for women’s suffrage. She never had much, financially, but used what she had until the end, even donating some of her property to establish a Home for the Aged for elderly African Americans.
6. Harriet Tubman is not her given name.
She was born Araminta Ross (“Minty” as a girl), but changed her name in her teens to honor her mother.
5. She was tiny.
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Tubman might have been larger than life – she had a reputation for being forceful – but she stood under 5 feet tall.
4. She suffered a debilitating head injury as a child.
Tubman was struck in the head with a weight thrown at another slave, and nearly died as a young girl as a result. She suffered from headaches, seizures, and visions her entire adult life, but none of that stopped her from undertaking hundreds of arduous, dangerous journeys.
3. She was the first woman to lead a U.S. military raid.
Tubman worked as a cook, nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War, and was given $200 for her trouble. She also led a raid that freed 750 slaves from bondage in South Carolina.
2. She led her own family to freedom.
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Tubman escaped, and then immediately began work with the Underground Railroad. She returned to Maryland’s eastern shore for her siblings, and led them, along with 70 other people, to freedom.
1. She lived an extremely long life, especially considering the circumstances of hers.
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Harriet Tubman lived to around 93, which is made all the more astonishing considering all she endured during her lifetime.
Me, I’m still itching to see the film.
Are you going to see it? Please say yes!
