Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman, the extraordinary Underground Railroad activist, led many groups over the Suspension Bridge right here in Niagara Falls. Bringing refugees from slavery in Maryland to freedom in Canada, she gazed upon the shoreline that is visible right outside of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center.

Tubman once declared, “I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty, or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other; for no man should take me alive; I should fight for my liberty as long as my strength lasted, and when the time came for me to go, the Lord would let them take me.” She and uncounted others crossed the Suspension Bridge to set themselves free.

Tubman personally led about 70 people to freedom. Many crossed in Niagara Falls. She also provided guidance so that others could make it on their own.

Today, on #HarrietTubmanDay, we celebrate this unbelievably courageous and determined woman 200 years after her birth.