The Combahee River Raid: Harriet Tubman's Lowcountry Liberation

Harriet Tubman, an iconic figure in American history, was not only a prominent abolitionist but also a fearless leader during the American Civil War. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped to the North in 1849. After establishing herself as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, she dedicated her life to helping enslaved individuals find freedom.

One of Tubman's remarkable achievements was the Combahee River Raid, an operation that took place on June 2, 1863, during the Civil War. Partnering with Colonel James Montgomery and his Second South Carolina Volunteers, Tubman led a group of Union soldiers on a daring mission to liberate enslaved people in the lowcountry of South Carolina.

The Planning

The Combahee River Raid was meticulously planned, with Tubman providing valuable intelligence gathered from her extensive network of spies and informants. Tubman, having grown up in the region, possessed an intimate understanding of the rivers, marshes, and plantations along the Combahee River.

The Combahee River Raid: Harriet Tubman & Lowcountry Liberation

by Jeff W. Grigg(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	159 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The raid's objective was to destroy Confederate supply lines, emancipate enslaved individuals, and weaken the enemy's hold on the region. Tubman's knowledge of the local terrain and her ability to navigate the rivers undetected were crucial for the success of the operation.

The Raid

Under the cover of darkness, Tubman and her team, which included three gunboats and about 300 soldiers, embarked on the Combahee River. Their stealthy approach caught the Confederate forces off guard, allowing them to swiftly move inland and carry out their mission.

Tubman's experience as a conductor on the Underground Railroad made her familiar with strategies to avoid detection. She utilized diversion tactics, misdirection, and knowledge of hidden paths to evade Confederate patrols that could threaten the success of the raid.

The Liberation

As the gunboats moved up the Combahee River, Tubman's team went ashore, systematically freeing hundreds of enslaved individuals from various plantations along the riverbank. The raid's success relied on Tubman's ability to persuade the liberated individuals to trust the Union soldiers and escape to freedom.

This daring operation resulted in the freedom of an estimated 750 enslaved people. As news of the Combahee River Raid spread, it sent shockwaves through the South, striking fear into the hearts of slaveholders who never anticipated such a bold and audacious act to challenge their authority.

The Legacy of the Raid

The Combahee River Raid was the first military operation in American history to be planned by a woman and led by an African American. Tubman's exceptional leadership and her unwavering commitment to the liberation of enslaved people mark this raid as a pivotal moment in the struggle for freedom during the Civil War.

The success of the raid demonstrated Tubman's remarkable skills as an intelligence gatherer, tactical planner, and courageous leader. It also showcased her determination to challenge the institution of slavery and inspire others to fight for equality and justice.

The Combahee River Raid led by Harriet Tubman was a landmark event in American history, symbolizing the relentless struggle against slavery and the resilience of those daring to fight for freedom. Tubman's strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication to emancipation continue to inspire generations, leaving an indelible legacy on the road to equality.

The Combahee River Raid: Harriet Tubman & Lowcountry Liberation

by Jeff W. Grigg(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	159 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The little-known story of the South Carolina military raid—led by a Union colonel aided by Harriet Tubman—that freed hundreds of slaves.
 
In 1863, the Union was unable to adequately fill its black regiments. In an attempt to remedy that, Col. James Montgomery led a raid up the Combahee River on June 2 to gather recruits and punish the plantations.
 
Aiding him was an expert at freeing slaves—famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The remarkable effort successfully rescued about 750 enslaved men, women, and children. Only one soldier was killed in the action, which marked a strategy shift in the war that took the fight to civilians. This book details the fascinating true story that became a legend.