Governor Jack Markell is proclaiming March 10th “Harriet Tubman Day” in Delaware, one hundred years after the death of the legendary Underground Railroad conductor.
Markell points to the important role that the First State played in Tubman’s journey leading black slaves to freedom in the north.
“The First State had many crucial stops as slaves traveled from Maryland to Camden, Dover, Smyrna, New Castle and Wilmington on their journey to freedom. She journeyed through the backroads here, in these towns. She risked her own life; she helped lead these slaves to freedom," said Markell.
DelDOT has unveiled a plan to manage the corridor that Tubman traveled through Delaware, stretching north from Sandtown in Kent County to Wilmington.
Reverend Rita Mishoe Paige of the Star Hill AME Church in Dover says Tubman’s journey continues to inspire the communities it touched.
“Born a slave, escaped from slavery, rescued some of her own family members, she went on to become the most successful conductor of the Underground Railroad and came to be known as the Moses of her people,” said Paige.
Ten days of events celebrating Tubman are scheduled in Delaware this month, culminating March 10th with relay runs in Kent and New Castle Counties. You can find a full list of the Tubman events planned in Delaware from March 1st through 10th at DelDOT’s website.