Araminta Harriet Ross, Harriet Tubman, played a crucial role in history. She was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and labor union spy during the Civil War. His courageous rescues freed more than 300 black slaves. In fact, his work was so impactful that the South offered him a $40,000 reward. She became the most famous leader of the Underground Railroad and many named her Moses after the biblical character. Harriet Tubman was more than just a pivotal role in The Underground Railroad ; she played an essential role in our history. Harriet Tubman was born a slave as Harriet Ross in 1820 on the East Coast. Harriet was one of eleven children born to Harriet Green and Benjamin Ross. Harriet was born on the Brodas plantation, a cash crop. Brodas grew apples, wheat, rye and corn; and he also owned several acres of trees. Brodas rented and sold his slaves to others and at the age of 13, Harriet saw brothers, sisters and slaves sold. When Harriet was five, Brodas rented her to a neighboring couple named Cook. Harriet slept on the cooks' kitchen floor and shared table scraps with their dog. Mrs. Cook gave Harriet the task of winding the thread, but when she proved slow in the job, Mrs. Cook gave it to Mr. Cook. Mr. Cook assigned Harriet to watch for the muskrat traps in the river. Every day she went barefoot to the icy river, wearing only a thin shirt. Her son developed a cough and high fever. The cooks accused her of being lazy and trying to get out of work. They sent her back to Brodas Plantation and there her mother nursed her back to health after six weeks of measles and bronchitis. As soon as she was healthy again, Brodas rented her to a woman who was looking for a housekeeper and nanny. Many years after the ex...... middle of paper ......riet. Harriet was still a slave and knew that if she was sold, their marriage would break up. Harriet dreamed of traveling north to freedom. She knew that then she wouldn't have to worry about their marriage breaking up. John didn't want to go north, he said that's where they were. Harriet said she would leave without him and he responded with questions such as, "Where are you going to find food?" He told her he would tell her master if she ran away. He really meant it. She couldn't help it anymore and left her husband in 1849 and fled to Philadelphia. Harriet fled in September 1849, shortly after hearing rumors that she and other slaves might be sold in the Deep South. Using rumors she heard about the Underground Railroad and her knowledge of the surrounding countryside, she was able to find the best route for this 90-mile freedom journey..