Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman escaped slavery and purchased a home in Auburn, NY, which she shared with her parents, husband, and cared for others needing safety. She eventually purchased land attached to the property and opened a home for the aged, which she ran and funded herself. Despite serving as a spy, nurse, and commander during the American Civil War, she only ever received a partial military pension over two decades after her service.

Her home is currently being restored and maintained by one of the families that lived there after she passed. Despite being a "partner" of the National Park Service, the site receives no federal funding. The programming there is excellent and important. I left inspired and amazed at her commitment to justice and freedom. Lincoln gets way too much credit for what a community of abolitionists worked for years to accomplish.Read more