| Formerly a slave in the American South, Harriet Tubman became known as the most famous guide of the Underground Railroad, a secret network that during the mid-1800s helped slaves escape to freedom in the northern United States and Canada. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, Tubman returned to the South 19 times, using varied routes and disguises. She led hundreds of slaves to freedom and was likened to Moses, the shepherd who led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt during biblical times. |