Slavery began in 1619 in North America. The first African American slaves were brought to Jamestown, Virginia to produce crops such as tobacco. Slavery had become more well known in the American colonies because it was used to stimulate the economy. Eli Whitney's Cotton Gin had required more slave labor. The number of slaves increased significantly from time to time. Slaves had endured much suffering at the hands of their owners. They beat them so brutally that it resulted in death. How long can a slave stay with his owner and suffer such severe punishment just because he is a slave? One woman decided to change history for slaves. Without it, who knows what the world would be like today? Harriet Tubman was born a slave in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1820. She was born under the name "Araminta", but changed it to Harriet, in honor of her mother. At the age of five, she began working as a servant. She was raised in terrible conditions and was often abused by her owner as a child. At the age of 12, Harriet was seriously injured. She was hit in the head with a two-pound weight by a supervisor while trying to stop a field worker from being hit by them. Because of this injury, she suffered from narcolepsy, which allowed her to sleep anywhere and anytime. At the age of 25, she married John Tubman, a free African American. Five years later, she fled because she feared being sold. Tubman's escape journey was as follows: "Tubman received a piece of paper from a white neighbor with two names on it and told him how to find the first house on his path to freedom. At the first house, she was put in a cart, covered with a bag and driven to her next destination. (The Life of Harriet Tubman). Continued...... middle of paper ...... she was a courageous woman who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom. She will never be forgotten. She was nicknamed “Moses” after the prophet Moses in the Bible who also led people to freedom. She created a network called the Underground Railroad, which led slaves to freedom from the South to the North and Canada. In addition to helping other conductors, they didn't lose anyone. Works Cited “Harriet Tubman Timeline.” Harriet Tubman Timeline. Np, and Web. November 21, 2013. “The Life of Harriet Tubman - New York History Net.” » The Life of Harriet Tubman - New YorkHistory Net. Np, and Web. November 21, 2013.PBS. PBS and Web. November 21, 2013. “Harriet Tubman.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, and Web. November 21, 2013. “Harriet Tubman – Leading Slaves to Freedom.” » Harriet Tubman - Leading slaves to freedom. Np, and Web. November 21. 2013.