Harriet Tubman was a revolutionary 'conductor' of the Underground Railroad. Her story offers an insight into the world of slavery in the United States & Canada and shows us how she guided over 300 slaves to freedom. The Underground Railroad was a secret network of safe houses that guided slaves towards freedom. Only a few knew of this path so it was up to Harriet to be a guide for those who didn't. When Harriet brought herself to safety, instead of staying in the safety of Canada, she went back to get her family and over 300 others to take the same path she did.

Philadelphia was the original location she would drop off slaves but it soon became too dangerous. She then led everyone to the city of St. Catharines, where she would find a home for herself and settle down. St. Catharines has chosen to create the Harriet Tubman Public School on Henry Street, not far from where Harriet lived. The school's logo is a North Star, in recognition of how she used the North Star to guide her to Canada. The statue was erected in 2016 and depicts Harriet sitting on a chair with a book in her hand.

Many may see the fact that Harriet is holding a book to be quite odd since it is widely known that she was illiterate. This was completely on purpose. Harriet was often hunted by slave owners even after slavery had been abolished. She used her book as a disguise to ward off those who knew she was illiterate. As well, the book signifies her passion for education. She felt very strongly that all children should receive a fair and just education.

As stated earlier, the statue was erected here in St. Catharines because Harriet Tubman resided nearby. Henry Street was the place to be for African Americans who were fleeing slavery. At the time William Hamilton Merritt allowed the Black community there to build up homes and a Church. By the mid-1850's it is estimated that there were around 500 - 800 residents in this newly built community. Tubman lived close by on a street called North Street where she worked diligently in service to this community. She later felt that she needed to be closer to the people who needed help so she moved to New York. Regardless, St. Catharines will always remember her bravery through the newly built Harriet Tubman Public School on Henry Street.

This statue is owned and monitored by the Niagara District School Board

The statue is fully accessible by entering by the parking lot. There are no stairs required to view the statue.