Event of 1849: Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery.

Background. Tubman's escape occurred after she became ill in 1849, which diminished her value to slave traders. The exact year and place of her birth remain unknown, but her escape in 1849 marked the beginning of her involvement with the Underground Railroad, a network of antislavery activists and safe houses.

Escape to Philadelphia. Tubman and her brothers Ben and Henry escaped from slavery on September 17, 1849. Tubman reached Philadelphia, but soon returned to Maryland to rescue her family. This initial escape set the stage for her subsequent missions, utilizing the Underground Railroad to guide escapees and help newly freed people find work.

Rescue Missions. Following her escape, Tubman made approximately 13 missions to rescue around 70 enslaved people, including family and friends. These efforts relied on the Underground Railroad network. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 later forced her to guide escapees farther north into British North America, impacting her methods and the safety of those she helped.