Harriet Tubman and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

On October 2, 2007, staff from the Department of Interior's Human Capital Program and the Fish and Wildlife Service's Headquarters office visited Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.  Approximately 50 staff left Washington, D.C. and Arlington, VA to "meet the mission" at one of the Nation's crown jewels of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  The morning was spent touring Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and learning about the effects of sea level rise, global warming, wetland restoration and forestry.  In the afternoon, staff visited numerous sites where Harriet Tubman operated the "Underground Railroad" in Dorchester County, Maryland.

Harriet Tubman was born and raised in Dorchester County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  Staff visited several areas that will soon become part of the driving tour of the Underground Railroad also known as the "Finding a Way to Freedom" tour.  This tour highlighted a time in American history when abolitionists worked unselfishly to attain freedom for American slaves.  Bill Giese of the Blackwater staff provided in-depth information about the life of Harriet Tubman at the Bucktown Store, Brodess Farm, Bazzle Church, and Scott's Chapel.

Actress Vernetter Pinder impersonated Harriet Tubman in period clothing at a slave shack on a local farm.  She described the difficulties and obstacles Harriet overcame to lead more than 300 slaves to freedom.  In 1854, rewards for Harriet's capture totaled $40,000.  By 1857, Harriet had led her 3 brothers and parents to freedom in the north.  Harriet eventually settled near Niagara Falls, NY and lived to be in her 90s.