On June 1, 1863, Harriet Tubman served as a Union scout and spy during the American Civil War, further cementing her legacy as one of the most courageous and influential figures in American history. Best known for leading enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad, Tubman expanded her role during the war by working directly with the Union Army. Her intelligence gathering, scouting missions, and deep knowledge of Southern terrain made her an invaluable asset to the fight against the Confederacy.
Born into slavery in Maryland around 1822, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849. Despite reaching safety in the North, she repeatedly risked her life by returning to slaveholding states to rescue family members and others seeking freedom. Through these dangerous journeys, Tubman became one of the most famous “conductors” of the Underground Railroad, helping dozens escape bondage while inspiring countless others. Her bravery earned her the nickname “Moses” among abolitionists and freedom seekers.
When the Civil War began in 1861, Tubman believed the conflict would ultimately lead to the destruction of slavery. She offered her services to the Union Army, initially working as a nurse and cook for formerly enslaved refugees who had fled to Union camps. However, military leaders soon recognized that her skills extended far beyond caregiving. Tubman possessed firsthand knowledge of Southern geography, river systems, and local networks, all of which proved useful for military operations.
By 1863, Tubman was actively serving as a scout and spy for Union forces operating in South Carolina. She gathered intelligence from enslaved people living behind Confederate lines, learning about troop movements, hidden supply routes, and defensive positions. Her ability to move discreetly and earn the trust of local communities gave Union commanders critical information they otherwise could not obtain.
One of Tubman’s most notable wartime contributions came shortly after June 1, 1863, during the Combahee River Raid. Working alongside Colonel James Montgomery, Tubman helped guide Union gunboats through Confederate waters lined with mines and obstructions. The raid resulted in the destruction of Confederate supplies and plantations while freeing more than 700 enslaved people. It was one of the most successful operations led by Union forces in the region and marked Tubman as the first woman in United States history to help lead an armed military expedition.
Harriet Tubman’s service during the Civil War demonstrated extraordinary courage and patriotism. At a time when women — especially Black women — faced severe discrimination and exclusion, she proved herself indispensable in both humanitarian and military roles. Despite her contributions, Tubman struggled for years after the war to receive proper recognition or compensation for her service.
Today, Harriet Tubman is remembered not only as an abolitionist and freedom fighter but also as a Union spy whose intelligence work helped weaken the Confederacy and advance the cause of emancipation. Her actions on June 1, 1863, represent another chapter in a remarkable life devoted to courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of freedom.
Use This Figure in the Classroom
Discussion Questions
- Why was Harriet Tubman uniquely qualified to serve as a Union scout and spy during the Civil War?
- How did Tubman’s knowledge of geography and local communities help the Union Army?
- Why do you think Harriet Tubman’s military contributions were overlooked for so many years?
Classroom Activity
Civil War Intelligence Map Activity
Provide students with a blank map of South Carolina and the surrounding rivers used during the Civil War. Have students trace possible routes Harriet Tubman and Union forces may have used during scouting missions and the Combahee River Raid. Students can then explain how geography affected military strategy and escape routes.
Debate Prompt
Should Harriet Tubman be remembered more for her military service during the Civil War than for the Underground Railroad?
Assign students to opposing viewpoints and require them to use historical evidence to support their arguments.
Writing Assignment Idea
Ask students to write a first-person journal entry from the perspective of Harriet Tubman on the night before a scouting mission. Students should describe the risks involved, the importance of the mission, and their hopes for freedom and victory.
Printable Quote
“I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” — Harriet Tubman