How old was Harriet Tubman when she ran away from slavery?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

Harriet Tubman, an iconic figure in American history, made her daring escape from slavery in the fall of 1849 when she was 27 years old. This fact is often overlooked, as she is often depicted as an older woman in popular imagination. However, at the time of her escape, Tubman was still a relatively young woman.

Tubman’s escape from slavery was a courageous and solitary act. After enduring years of oppression and violence, she made the decision to flee from her enslavers and seek freedom. At the age of 27, she embarked on a treacherous journey, leaving behind her family and everything she had known, in pursuit of liberty.

It is important to acknowledge the significance of Tubman’s age at the time of her escape. Being in her late twenties, she possessed a youthful energy and determination that played a vital role in her subsequent endeavors. This period of her life marked the beginning of her incredible journey as an abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom. Tubman, armed with her own experience and knowledge gained from her escape, became an instrumental figure in guiding others to freedom. Over the course of 11 years, she made numerous dangerous trips back to the South, leading countless enslaved individuals to safety in the North.

Tubman’s youth during this time is worth emphasizing, as it demonstrates the immense courage and resilience she possessed. She faced constant danger and the ever-present threat of capture, yet she continued to risk her life for the freedom of others. Tubman’s youth also allowed her to connect with and inspire the younger generation of enslaved individuals, who often looked to her as a beacon of hope.

Harriet Tubman was 27 years old when she escaped from slavery. This fact is often overlooked, but it is important to recognize the significance of her youth during this period. Tubman’s escape marked the beginning of her remarkable journey as an abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad. Her bravery and determination continue to inspire people to this day.