When most people think of Harriet Tubman, they recall the fearless woman who led enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. But tucked away in the pages of less-known history is one of her most extraordinary achievements—the Combahee River Raid of June 2, 1863.
This wasn’t just another moment in the fight for freedom—it was a military triumph. And yet, few know that Harriet Tubman made history that day as the first woman in the United States to lead a military operation.
What Was the Combahee River Raid?
During the Civil War, Tubman joined the Union Army—not just as a nurse or a cook, but as a spy and scout, gathering intelligence in the South. On June 2, 1863, alongside Colonel James Montgomery and 150 Black Union soldiers, Tubman led a mission along South Carolina’s Combahee River.
Their target? To cripple Confederate infrastructure and free the enslaved people who kept the South’s economy running.
Using her deep knowledge of the region’s terrain and intelligence networks, Tubman guided Union gunboats past Confederate mines and traps. When they landed, they set fire to plantations, destroyed stockpiles, and opened the path to freedom for over 700 enslaved men, women, and children.
Why It Matters Today
The Combahee River Raid was more than a successful operation—it was a radical act of Black liberation and woman-led resistance. At a time when Black women were seen as powerless in American society, Tubman shattered every stereotype by becoming a war strategist, a liberator, and a national hero.
Yet, history books often leave this moment in the shadows, favoring more mainstream Civil War narratives. Recognizing the Combahee River Raid means recognizing the full weight of Black women’s leadership in shaping American freedom.
A Legacy We Must Keep Alive
Honoring this lesser-known chapter of Black history isn’t just about remembering the past—it’s about reframing how we tell the story of freedom. Harriet Tubman wasn’t just a conductor—she was a commander. She fought, planned, and risked everything not only to survive but to dismantle systems of oppression.
As we explore Black history beyond the headlines, let’s make space for stories like the Combahee River Raid—where courage, strategy, and purpose led to one of the most successful acts of resistance during the Civil War.
