Harriet Tubman was born enslaved and spent her childhood in Maryland. She escaped from slavery in 1849 to become a courageous conductor on the underground railroad. She formed deep friendships--with fugitive slaves and anti-slavery leaders. She worked as a scout, spy and nurse for the Union during the Civil War and, later in life, stood up for people whose rights had been denied. Her speeches told of the evils of slavery and the risks African-Americans took to find freedom. Her passion, wit, charm, and the wealth of her experience gave power to her voice.