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Primary sourcePhotographc. 1868-1869

Carte-de-visite Portrait of Harriet Tubman

Benjamin Powelson · c. 1868-1869

The earliest known photograph of Harriet Tubman, taken shortly after her Civil War service, showing her much younger than other surviving images.

This is the earliest known photograph of Harriet Tubman, taken soon after her Civil War service.

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Sepia carte-de-visite portrait of a seated Black woman in a dark long-sleeved dress with a white collar and a light checked skirt, leaning her arm on a spindle chair. Handwritten signature reads Harriet Tubman. Red and cream border.
Benjamin Powelson, carte-de-visite portrait of Harriet Tubman, c. 1868-1869. National Museum of African American History and Culture.

About this source

What it is

This small photograph, known as a carte-de-visite, was taken by Benjamin Powelson around 1868–1869 in Auburn, New York. It shows Harriet Tubman seated, with her signature written on the image. It is held by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Why it matters

This is the earliest known photograph of Tubman, taken not long after she had served during the Civil War as a nurse, scout and spy for Union forces. It shows her younger than she appears in most well-known images, offering a rare glimpse of her soon after this period of her life.

Look closer

  • How does Tubman appear in this photograph compared to other portraits of her you may have seen?
  • Why might Tubman have had this type of small portrait made and signed?
  • What does the setting and clothing suggest about her life at this time?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Harriet Tubman on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Scan of an 1849 newspaper runaway-slave reward notice headed 'Three Hundred Dollars Reward', offering rewards for three runaways named Harry, Ben and Minty, signed by Eliza Ann Brodess near Bucktown, Dorchester County, Md.Newspaper article

Primary source

Three Hundred Dollars Reward Notice

Eliza Ann Brodess · 3 October 1849

Black-and-white studio portrait of a standing woman in a dark long-sleeved dress with a white collar, buttons down the bodice, and a tasseled key at her waist. Her hand rests on a draped chair; a hat and coat lie on a fringed stool, and a draped table stands at left against a plain backdrop with a column.Photograph

Primary source

Harriet Tubman

Harvey B. Lindsley · c. 1871-1876

Scan of a dark brown cloth book cover with a worn, faded light-colored title block at the top left, too faded to read clearly. The rest of the cover is plain, with a visible spine edge along the left side.Book

Secondary source

Harriet, the Moses of Her People

Sarah Bradford · 1886

Scanned handwritten General Affidavit form, filled in by hand, with a title printed at top. The text describes a claim for services as nurse and cook in hospitals and as commander of scouts during the Civil War. Signatures of affiants appear at the bottom, including Harriet Tubman's name and her mark.Document

Primary source

General Affidavit of Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman · 1898

Scan of a handwritten manuscript page on lined paper in cursive ink, with a torn and taped top edge. The text begins 'Harriett Tubman was sent to Hilton Head' and describes her wartime service as a scout and spy, listing names of scouts and pilots.Document

Secondary source

A History Concerning the Pension Claim of Harriet Tubman

Charles P. Wood · 1 June 1888

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