Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad

Unlike many of her neighbors, Old Rit does not enjoy talking about running away or insurrections like those led by Nat Turner or Denmark Vesey. Instead, she “fears change.” Why does Old Rit feel this way, and what are her hopes for the future?

When Harriet is young, her parents hope she will learn a skill so she can work indoors. However, she hates being inside and resents her bosses’ cruel behavior toward her. Despite her limited options, how does Harriet show resistance to her circumstances and try to carve her own path on the plantations where she works?

What factors in particular motivated enslaved people to try to run away to the north? What were some of the dangers and obstacles they faced along the way?

How does Harriet’s knowledge of the landscape and local culture help her succeed at running away from the Brodas plantation and later helping others do the same?

What was the Fugitive Slave Act, and how did it change Harriet’s approach to her work? Explain.

Aside from Harriet Tubman, who were the “conductors” on the Underground Railroad mentioned in this book? What kinds of people took on these roles, and what kind of assistance did they provide to runaway slaves? Explain in detail.

During the Civil War, Harriet served with the US military for two years as a spy, nurse, and scout. How did she contribute to the success of the Union forces? What kinds of experiences did she have, both positive and negative, with the military during and after her service?

Choose two abolitionists mentioned in the book (e.g., William Still, Nat Turner, John Brown, Harriet Tubman, Franklin Sanborn) and compare their views and methods. What kinds of activism did they engage in to pursue their goals? What were the outcomes of their efforts?