Moses

Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross around 1822 in Maryland, lived the first decades of her life in bondage. She endured the harsh realities of slavery—physical labor, abuse, and forced separation from loved ones. From a young age, she believed that God spoke to her through vivid visions and dreams. These spiritual experiences nurtured an unbreakable faith that would guide her every step, ultimately spurring her daring flight from slavery. In 1849, Harriet slipped away and traveled north, reaching Philadelphia in search of freedom. Yet, like many prophets before her, she felt a divine call to do more.

It was during this transitional period—after her arrival in the North and before her storied missions, to rescue dozens of enslaved individuals as a conductor on the Underground Railroad (and hundreds more later in life as a Union solider)—that Harriet may have spent time in Poughkeepsie, learning about the abolitionist movement at the progressive Collegiate School on College Hill. Established as a beacon of enlightenment and social justice, the school’s inclusive policies made it a sanctuary for forward-thinkers and abolitionists alike. Here, Harriet could have deepened her resolve to end slavery. Inspired by her faith, she may even have boldly declared herself the “Moses” of her people—just as Jesus openly proclaimed Himself as the Messiah when He stood in the synagogue. This conviction that she was chosen and guided by God explains her fearless leadership on the Underground Railroad and her unerring success in outwitting pursuers.

Among the surviving pages of the College Hill Mercury, two intriguing articles signed as “Moses” hint at Harriet’s potential dictation. One, titled “Talking Chinese,” employs coded language and envisions a puzzling future conflict with China, concluding with the cryptic phrase, “It takes the Yankee’s yet.” Some believe this may have sprung from a vision Harriet received, couched in allegory and brimming with the same tactical ingenuity that made her a legendary conductor on the Underground Railroad. The other, “Dandyism,” skewers vain men who indulge in shallow pursuits at the expense of truly noble causes—like the abolition of slavery. Although likely dictated to a man, its tone and perspective feel distinctly feminine, chastising those who distract themselves with petty vanities instead of committing themselves to the urgent struggle for freedom.

Finally, there is a tantalizing record listing “Moses Dame” among the donors contributing to buy a man named John Bolding back from slavery. “Dame” is a British title for a woman knighted in recognition of her service or bravery—an accolade befitting the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman, whose heroism and knightly devotion to her people have cemented her legacy as one of history’s greatest freedom fighters. Taken together, these clues form a compelling argument that the same woman revered as “Moses” on the Underground Railroad was also “Moses” on that “Heaven-kissing Hill” in Poughkeepsie—called by God to deliver her people from bondage.