Harriet Tubman: A General in Spirit and Title
Harriet Tubman: Posthumously Promoted to Brigadier General in Maryland
On Veterans Day 2023, history was made when Harriet Tubman, the courageous abolitionist and “conductor” of the Underground Railroad, was posthumously promoted to the rank of brigadier general in Maryland’s National Guard. This momentous occasion, held at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Dorchester County, Maryland, finally recognized Tubman’s invaluable military service and leadership during the Civil War.
Tubman’s Military Legacy: More Than an Abolitionist
While Harriet Tubman is renowned for her work on the Underground Railroad, guiding approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom and advising 70 others on escape routes, her contributions to the Union Army during the Civil War are equally remarkable.
Tubman served as a nurse, cook, scout, and spy for the Union Army, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and intelligence. Her espionage work proved crucial in gathering intelligence and disrupting Confederate operations.
The Combahee River Raid: A Turning Point in the Civil War
Tubman’s most significant military achievement was leading the Combahee River Raid in South Carolina on June 1, 1863. Working alongside Colonel James Montgomery, Tubman’s network of informants helped Union gunboats navigate Confederate territory, leading to the liberation of over 750 enslaved people. This daring raid remains one of the largest emancipation efforts of the Civil War and cemented Tubman’s place as the first American woman to lead an armed military expedition during wartime.
A Recognition Long Overdue
Despite her unwavering dedication and service, Tubman never received formal military honors during her lifetime. She fought for years to receive a military pension, facing significant challenges and receiving only a small amount as the widow of a Union veteran.
More than 150 years later, Tubman’s posthumous promotion to brigadier general rectifies this historical oversight. Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, head of the Maryland National Guard, emphasized the importance of connecting Tubman’s legacy to the state’s military heritage, stating that “Harriet Tubman’s military service was defined by her bravery, wit, and dedication to doing what is right, and it truly stands as an example for all veterans to emulate.”
A Legacy of Courage and Freedom
Harriet Tubman’s impact extends far beyond the battlefield. She was a tireless advocate for women’s suffrage, a champion for the elderly and disabled, and an inspiration to generations. Her legacy continues to inspire with ongoing efforts to honor her contributions, including the commissioning of statues, renaming of schools, and potential placement on the $20 bill.
This Veterans Day ceremony not only recognizes Harriet Tubman as a freedom fighter and military strategist but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of continuously re-examining and rewriting history to fully acknowledge the contributions of those who shaped the nation.
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Learn about Harriet Tubman’s incredible journey as an abolitionist, spy, and military leader. Discover her posthumous promotion to Brigadier General and her lasting impact on American history.
