The extraordinary true story behind Harriet on Netflix
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA 2019 film chronicling the incredible life of American abolitionist Harriet Tubman has been added to Netflix. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Harriet, the real life story the film is based on is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born in 1822, Harriet bravely escaped the slavery trade in Maryland when she was 27 years old. For eight years, she helped others flee via the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses and anti-slavery activists which ran through southern American states.
It lead former slaves north, through to free states or to Canada. READ MORE: What happened to Princess Diana, how did she die and how old was she? READ MORE: Netflix The Crown season six: Full cast list and where you've seen them previously It's thought that by the mid 19th century, 100,000 slaves had escaped via the route.
Despite not being an actual underground railway system, it was named so due to the transport codenames used. 'Conductors' were the guides who helped others escape - and Harriet was the most successful and famous conductor, saving around 70 slaves by making dozens of rescue missions.
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