Beaufort, Bridge, and Harriett Tubman

Dear Reader:

You know this retired history teacher is happy when simply crossing a bridge on Highway 17 yesterday morning ( Harriett Tubman Bridge) heading towards Beaufort had my memories spinning with the important role Tubman played in local South Carolina and Beaufort history, as well as American history!

Today we associate Tubman with the Underground Railroad but that was only one of her many daring feats during the Civil War.

In 1862 Tubman decided to go to the South Carolina sea islands to help alleviate the suffering of abruptly freed slaves who were in desperate need of basic necessities-she would remain for three years-till the end of the war.

In Beaufort Tubman served the Union army in many capacities-scout, spy, nurse, and recruiter… all the while running an ” eating house” and ” wash house” … helping Union soldiers by washing, sewing, and feeding the troops.

But it was the famous Combahee River Raid ( when she freed over 700 slaves) that titled her as the only woman to lead a military operation in the Civil war.

When Tubman died in 1913 ( at the age of 90) she was buried with military honors.

Today in Beaufort money is being raised for a statue to this amazing woman who gave so much to Beaufort South Carolina and freedom everywhere!

Model replica off the statue to be built on Craven Street

So until tomorrow… we arrived safe and sound… no rain as predicted and have had a wonderful day visiting historical sites and downtown shopping. Will fill in with all the pictures tomorrow… the internet is off… work out the kinks later!

Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh

About Becky Dingle

I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also taught at the College of Charleston. For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret of success in teaching social studies is always in the story. I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot.”

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