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Primary sourcePhotographc. 1871-1876

Harriet Tubman

Harvey B. Lindsley · c. 1871-1876

A studio portrait photograph of Harriet Tubman taken by Harvey B. Lindsley, the most widely reproduced image of her from her lifetime.

This is a formal studio photograph of Harriet Tubman herself, one of the most reproduced images of her life.

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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.
Harvey B. Lindsley, portrait of Harriet Tubman, c. 1871-1876. Library of Congress.

About this source

What it is

This photograph of Harriet Tubman was taken by Harvey B. Lindsley around 1871–1876. It shows her standing in a dark dress with a white collar, her hand resting on a chair, in a studio setting. The photograph is held by the Library of Congress.

Why it matters

This image is one of the best-known likenesses of Tubman and has been reproduced many times in books, textbooks and memorials. It shows how Tubman, by this point known for her work on the Underground Railroad and in the Civil War, was presented to the public through formal portrait photography.

Look closer

  • What does Tubman's posture and clothing suggest about how she wanted to be seen?
  • Why might a studio portrait like this have been made and shared widely?
  • What can't a single photograph tell you about a person's life?

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

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

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.Photograph

Primary source

Carte-de-visite Portrait of Harriet Tubman

Benjamin Powelson · c. 1868-1869

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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