Harriet Tubman—now there's a woman who knew how to shake things up. Born in the early 1820s in Maryland, Tubman wasn't just a woman of her time; she was a force of nature who transformed an entire era. She was key in freeing countless slaves, reshaping the Underground Railroad, and even fighting as a spy for the Union during the Civil War. While many today focus on progressive figures from different eras, Tubman was ahead of her time, a conservative hero with a mission. Her story isn't just history; it's a testament to conservative values of courage, resilience, and freedom.
Tubman's legend began with her own daring escape from slavery in 1849. Unlike the armchair activists of today who tweet about liberation between cappuccinos, Tubman risked her own life for freedom. Following the North Star, she traveled from Maryland to Pennsylvania on foot—across nearly 90 miles without a GPS, let alone the residential streets we take for granted. Once free, she didn’t just rest on her laurels and write a memoir; instead, she spearheaded approximately 13 missions to rescue about 70 enslaved people, including family and friends. Each trip carried the risk of capture and death, unlike today's rhetoric-fueled 'activism'. Tubman lived a life of action, not words.
Not stopping there, Harriet took on a leadership role within the Underground Railroad. While some might consider taking a selfie with a trendy hashtag as making a difference, Tubman networked and collaborated covertly with a myriad of abolitionists to create what was essentially a covert syndicate. She earned the name "Moses" for her bravery, and for leading her people to freedom much like the biblical figure. Tubman didn’t wait for someone else to ‘institutionalize’ the abolitionist movement; she carved it out herself through sheer willpower.
Then there's Tubman's invaluable contribution to the Civil War. Unlike the pacifists and peacemakers who prefer retreat over confrontation, Tubman took the battle to the battlefield. She served as a nurse, cook, and most notably, a spy for the Union Army. Leading efforts at the Combahee River Raid, she helped liberate more than 700 slaves in a single operation. Tubman showed that sometimes true peace follows decisive action, a lesson modern America would do well to remember.
Post-Civil War, Tubman's commitment to freedom didn't waver. She was committed to women's suffrage, long before it became fashionable on TV round tables. But Tubman’s view of women’s rights wasn’t cloistered in the context of greater government intervention. Quite opposite, she emphasized self-reliance and community—a balance some modern movements could take a cue from. She demonstrated that political freedom is built on the foundation of individual ethics; she didn’t lobby the state to solve every problem, she took initiative.
Tubman's faith also played a vital role in her life. At a time when religious values are often disparaged as outdated, Tubman’s spiritual compass guided her actions. Whether conservatives today are rallying for traditional values or standing up for religious freedom, Tubman's life serves as a mere milestone marking ground we shouldn’t backslide from.
Fast forward to the present, and society still grapples with discussing Tubman's legacy. While endless think pieces debate her relevance, the fact remains that Tubman embodies principles that transcend time. Inserting figures like her onto the $20 bill goes beyond just representation; it spotlights values that are woven into the American fabric: bravery, individualism, and self-determination. A legacy shouldn't just be commemorated; it should be embodied.
So when the media drums up our national heroes, let's remember the women and men who exemplify the values at the core of American conservatism: liberty, action, and personal responsibility. Tubman's story is as relevant today as it was over a century ago—we should aim to discuss her legacy not just in classrooms but in the context of our national identity. After all, if there's anyone who can inspire a nation to reclaim self-determination, it's Harriet Tubman—a woman who walked for miles yet never lost her way.