Civil rights hero honored one hundred years after death

Tallahassee, Fla. – One hundred years after her death the Florida Senate will commemorate the life of Harriet Tubman, during the opening day of the Florida Legislature.

Harriet Tubman was a slave who escaped and became famous as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad during the turbulent 1850s. Born on Maryland's eastern shore, she endured the harsh existence of a field hand, including brutal beatings. In 1849 she fled slavery, leaving her husband and family behind in order to escape. Despite a bounty on her head, she returned to the South at least 19 times to lead her family and hundreds of other slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

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In recognition of her heroics and little-known contributions in Florida, the state senate will adopt Senate Resolution 430.

Tubman also served as a scout, spy and nurse during the Civil War.

Two of Tubman's tools for freedom and espionage are now on display at the Florida A and M University Black Archive. Harriet Tubman's personal pistol and her 3 foot long ivory-handled sword are on temporary loan to the Florida A&M Black Archive Research Center as part of an exhibit called "The Struggle Continues".  

The Tallahassee family of Alex Brickler owns the pieces and considers them a family heirloom since he's a 5th generation decedent of Tubman.  He said Harriet found the sword and kept it with her, just in case.