Many people know Harriet Tubman as the fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad, but fewer know the whole story of her life beyond guiding her people to freedom. Auburn, New York, is where she chose to settle, purchase land, build a life, and continue her work as a humanitarian and activist. Today, Auburn honors her legacy through historical preservation, storytelling, and community engagement, ensuring that her contributions remain integral to the town’s identity.

The Place Harriet Tubman Called Home

Harriet Tubman lived in Auburn for over 50 years, making it her home after the Civil War. She purchased property (a 7-acre farm) on South Street in 1859 from her close friend and abolitionist, William Seward’s wife Frances Seward. Tubman later established the Tubman Home for the Aged & Indigent Negores to provide care for formerly enslaved people and the elderly. She was deeply involved in the local community and attended the Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church, which played a pivotal role in her later years. Auburn is also where she was laid to rest, her headstone at Fort Hill Cemetary reading, “Servant of God, Well Done.”

A City Committed to Preserving History

Auburn takes great care in preserving the sites and stories connected to Tubman’s life. Visitors can explore the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, which includes her home, the AME Zion Church, and the surrounding land. The property has been carefully restored to reflect its historic significance, offering a glimpse into how Tubman lived and the work she did in her later years.

The city also offers immersive ways to engage with Tubman’s story. The Tubman’s UGRR — Cayuga County app provides a self-guided tour of significant Underground Railroad sites in the region, allowing visitors to see the impact of Tubman and other abolitionists. A four-part podcast, “Walk in Her Footsteps: Harriet Tubman’s Life in Auburn, New York,” provides deeper insight into her decision to settle in Auburn, her community ties, and the city’s continued efforts to honor her.

Walking Through History

One of the most powerful experiences in Auburn is visiting Fort Hill Cemetary, where Tubman is buried. Her gravesite is a focal point of remembrance, often adorned with flowers, notes, and tokens left by visitors paying their respects. Standing there, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of her legacy and the gratitude generations have for her sacrifices.

Auburn’s commitment to preserving Black history extends beyond Tubman. The New York Equal Rights Heritage Center provides an interactive exhibit on New Yorkers who fought for abolition, civil rights, and social justice. The Seward House Museum offers another layer of historical context, showcasing the home of the Seward family, who were key allies in the fight against slavery. Their basement, once a stop on the Underground Railroad, now holds an exhibit detailing their connection to Tubman and the broader abolitionist movement.

The Land Harriet Tubman Cultivated

Beyond her role as a freedom fighter, Harriet Tubman was also deeply connected to the land. She grew her own food, maintaining a thriving vegetable garden filled with the same crops you’d find in a Central New York garden today. Her land was abundant with apple trees—her favorite fruit—along with peach and pear trees.

According to the “Walk In Her Footsteps” podcast, she was often seen walking toward Scipio, a nearby town, with a basket of fruits and vegetables, selling them along the way. Tubman’s connection to agriculture was a reflection of her independence and self-sufficiency. If you live in Cayuga County, you can still eat many of the same fruits and vegetables she once grew and loved, a small but powerful connection to her legacy.

Meeting Harriet Tubman’s Descendants

During my visit to Auburn, I had the honor of meeting Deidre Johnson Stanford, a descendant of Harriet Tubman. Hearing her speak about Tubman’s legacy and the way her family continues to uphold her values was a moving experience. Meeting someone connected to Tubman’s lineage underscored how her impact is not just a story in history books. Her story is a living, breathing part of today’s world.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Auburn’s preservation of Harriet Tubman’s legacy is a testament to the city’s deep respect for history. Through its historical sites, guided tours, and community storytelling, the city ensures that her contributions remain tangible and accessible.