What May Never Be Known: Uncertainty and Legacy in Harriet Tubman’s Journey
Figure 1. Team member, Gabriela Sealy, sitting in the Pioneer Church at the Josiah Henson Museum of African Canadian History. Photo by Alex Allasra, taken at Dresden, Ontario, October 2024.
History is riddled with mysteries, and Harriet Tubman’s life is no exception. The details of her extraordinary efforts remain obscured by time, secrecy, and the necessity of discretion that safeguarded her work, so much so that Ms. Tubman was uncertain of the total number of travels she made through the Underground Railroad. She confirmed to Sarah Bradford that she had made 11 trips to Canada and brought 70 people to freedom. Yet the commonly cited figure of her total trips being 19 trips remains unverified, shrouded in the secrecy that preserved lives and ensured the success of the Underground Railroad.
Despite meticulous research by historians and writers like Sarah Bradford and Rosemary Sadlier, significant gaps remain in Ms. Tubman’s story. Her exact birthdate, the full extent of her travels, and even her experiences in Canada are still highly debatable. These uncertainties challenge us to reflect on the limitations of recorded history and the ways in which representation—be it through scholarship or artistic interpretation—shapes our understanding of the past.
Prof. Lorne Foster, York Research Chair in Black Canadian Studies & Human Rights, speaks on the most significant aspect of Harriet Tubman’s journey.
Enjoy this audio with an English transcript.
Take, for instance, the contentious portrayal of John Tubman, Harriet’s first husband. Historical accounts suggest that John opposed Harriet’s escape and even threatened to expose her plans to their enslavers. Yet in the 2019 film Harriet, John is reimagined as a supportive figure, sparking debate about the line between historical fact and artistic license. These differing representations compel us to ask: How do we reconcile historical documentation with the creative narratives that seek to humanize and celebrate her?
What remains unwavering in all portrayals is Ms. Tubman’s resolute commitment to the cause of Black emancipation. Her life’s work transcended personal freedom; she became a symbol of hope, resistance, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Though fragmented and contested, the details of her life are less significant than the transformative impact of her actions.
Ultimately, Ms. Tubman’s legacy is not confined to the details of her journeys but lies in the enduring spirit of liberation she embodied. She brought freedom to individuals and, in doing so, created generations. The gaps in her story invite us not to dwell on what we cannot know but to honor what we do: her life’s purpose and the countless lives she changed.
Dr. Rosemary Sadlier comments on what is most important about Ms. Tubman’s life and legacy.