Harriet Tubman, originally named Ariminta Ross, was born into slavery in Maryland in the early 19th century. She escaped to freedom in 1849 and then made over 13 missions to rescue over 300 slaves using the Underground Railroad. Tubman served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad for 10 years, guiding slaves to freedom in the North. She came to be known by the nickname "Moses" for her work leading slaves to freedom. Tubman also worked as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War.