During the American Civil War, Harriet Tubman, already famous for her daring efforts with the Underground Railroad, took on an even more critical and strategic role by serving in the Union Army. Her work during this period is often overshadowed by her earlier achievements, yet her military contributions were pivotal. As a nurse, scout, and spy, she operated behind enemy lines, gathered valuable intelligence, and even led a military expedition that resulted in the liberation of hundreds of enslaved people. Tubman’s connection with the Union Army demonstrates her unwavering commitment to freedom, equality, and justice, further solidifying her legacy in American history.
Background of Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross in the early 1820s in Dorchester County, Maryland. Born into slavery, she escaped to freedom in the North in 1849. Over the next decade, she returned to the South multiple times to guide enslaved people to freedom, earning the nickname ‘Moses’ for her leadership and courage. By the time the Civil War began in 1861, Tubman was already a symbol of hope and resistance.
Role in the Civil War
When the war erupted, Tubman saw an opportunity to fight slavery on a broader scale. She volunteered to serve the Union cause and eventually found herself in South Carolina, where she worked in support roles before being entrusted with military responsibilities. Her work with the Union Army represented a rare intersection of race, gender, and military service at the time.
Harriet Tubman as a Nurse
One of Tubman’s early roles in the Union Army was as a nurse. She provided care to wounded and sick soldiers, both black and white, in makeshift hospitals in the South. She relied on her knowledge of herbal medicine and natural remedies, which she had learned during her years in slavery and while working on the Underground Railroad. Tubman treated men suffering from dysentery, smallpox, and other common ailments of the time.
Significance of Her Nursing Work
Although not formally trained, Tubman’s nursing work saved lives. Her compassion and resilience became a source of inspiration for soldiers and civilians alike. She worked tirelessly without significant pay, highlighting the challenges African American women faced even when serving the nation.
Military Intelligence and Espionage
Tubman’s most impactful contribution to the Union Army was as a spy and scout. She was recruited by Union officers to lead intelligence missions behind Confederate lines. She gathered valuable information about enemy troop movements, fortifications, and supply lines. Her ability to navigate dangerous terrain undetected made her a highly effective operative.
The Combahee River Raid
Perhaps the most well-documented example of Tubman’s military engagement is the Combahee River Raid in June 1863. Working alongside Union Colonel James Montgomery, Tubman helped plan and execute a mission that freed more than 700 enslaved people from plantations along the river in South Carolina. She used her knowledge of local geography and her network of informants to guide Union gunboats safely through the waters.
- Led Union troops in a coordinated attack on Confederate resources.
- Freed hundreds of enslaved people, many of whom joined the Union Army.
- Disrupted Confederate supply chains and morale in the region.
This operation made Tubman the first woman to lead an armed military raid during the Civil War. The success of the Combahee River Raid demonstrated her strategic mind and effectiveness as a leader under pressure.
Challenges and Racial Barriers
Despite her service, Tubman faced racial and gender discrimination. Like many African American volunteers in the Union Army, she was not officially commissioned or adequately compensated. Her applications for a military pension were initially denied and only later partially granted, long after the war ended. This delay reflects the broader societal challenges black women encountered in having their contributions recognized.
Efforts for Recognition
Tubman spent many years after the war fighting for the recognition and compensation she deserved. Her struggles highlight the double burden of racism and sexism experienced by African American women, even in the service of their country. Nevertheless, her persistence and dignity left a lasting mark on history.
Legacy of Harriet Tubman’s Military Service
Harriet Tubman’s involvement with the Union Army is a critical yet often underappreciated aspect of her life. She was not only a freedom fighter before the war but a key figure during the conflict itself. Her direct contributions to Union military success, especially in the South, enhanced the Union’s ability to defeat the Confederacy and weaken the institution of slavery.
Post-War Recognition
After the war, Tubman continued to work as an advocate for African American rights, women’s suffrage, and veterans. Though formal recognition was slow in coming, today her military service is acknowledged as a significant contribution to the Union victory and to the expansion of freedom in America. The Combahee River Raid remains a key symbol of black resistance and female leadership during the Civil War.
Inspiring Future Generations
Tubman’s work with the Union Army serves as a powerful example of courage, intelligence, and selflessness. Her legacy has inspired generations of activists, historians, and leaders. She not only changed the lives of those she directly freed but also altered the course of American history by challenging the structures of power through action and leadership.
Modern Honors
- Considered for inclusion on U.S. currency as a symbol of freedom and justice.
- Commemorated through numerous schools, parks, and monuments.
- Honored in military and civil rights history curricula nationwide.
Her military service illustrates that African American women were not merely passive observers of history but active and essential participants in shaping the outcome of the Civil War and the fate of the nation. Her connection to the Union Army is one of the strongest testaments to her strategic brilliance and enduring impact.
Harriet Tubman’s involvement with the Union Army goes far beyond her well-known role in the Underground Railroad. As a nurse, scout, and military leader, she contributed significantly to the Union’s success and to the broader cause of human freedom. Her leadership in the Combahee River Raid and her courageous espionage missions behind enemy lines speak volumes about her abilities and determination. Though she faced systemic injustice, Tubman’s influence is deeply embedded in American history, and her role in the Union Army deserves lasting recognition.