Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist and political activist. She was born into slavery but escaped and made around 13 missions to help rescue approximately 70 other slaves. In all, she led more than 300 enslaved people to freedom. In order to pull this off, Tubman used the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.
March 10, Harriet Tubman Day, honors her bravery and heroism for herself and many others in the fight against slavery. Tubman also helped ensure the defeat of slavery in the U.S. by aiding the Union during the American Civil War; she served as a scout and nurse even though she received little to no pay or recognition.