Harriet Tubman, a courageous abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, played a pivotal role in the fight for freedom and equality in the United States. For those wishing to delve deeper into her remarkable story, the Harriet Tubman Museum & Byway offers a unique and immersive experience.

The Tubman Byway is a self-guided, scenic driving tour that spans 125 miles through Dorchester on Maryland's Eastern Shore before extending into Delaware and ending in Philadelphia, where Tubman first found freedom. Along the way, visitors can explore more than 30 sites that are significant to Tubman's life and work, many of which feature outdoor markers or interpretive signs that provide historical context and insight.

Some of the key sites on the Tubman Byway include:

Brodess Farm Site: Site of Harriet Tubman's childhood where she was enslaved as a child. No trace remains of the original home that once sat near the existing house at the end of the lane. 2978 Greenbrier Road, Cambridge, MD.

Bucktown General Store: Site of Tubman’s fateful head injury still stands as a rare survivor from her era. It’s just minutes from the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitors Center. Visitors to the store can see what she saw and touch what she touched. Location: 4303 Bucktown Rd., Cambridge, MD.

The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center: This museum showcases Tubman's life and legacy through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. Location: 424 Race Street, Cambridge, MD.

The Tubman Underground Railroad Byway Visitor Center: This visitor center provides maps, brochures, and other resources for planning a trip along the byway. Location: 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD.

The Tubman Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park: This park includes several sites associated with Tubman's work on the Underground Railroad, including the Jacob Jackson House and the Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. Location: 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD.

Dorchester County Courthouse: Location of the Beacon of Hope Harriet Tubman sculpture. Several significant inicidents occured at this site during the height of the Underground Railroad. Location: 206 High Street, Cambridge, MD.

The African American Heritage Center of Philadelphia: Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this center houses exhibits on Tubman's life and contributions to the abolitionist movement. 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. www.aampmuseum.org

The Tubman Byway is open year-round, and visitors can explore it at their own pace. However, it is recommended to allow at least two days to fully experience the byway and its many sites. There are several accommodations and dining options available along the way, and visitors can find more information on the Tubman Byway website, www.harriettubmanbyway.org

The Harriet Tubman Byway offers a powerful and moving journey through the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman. By following in her footsteps, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the Underground Railroad and the fight for freedom.

A partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park operates the 16,000-square foot, LEED Silver certified visitor center and administration building, along with a 2,700-square foot open air pavilion with a fireplace and picnic tables. The state park is a 17-acre site adjacent to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The site is also home to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program, which partners with local, state, and federal entities to commemorate events, preserve sites and resources, and educate the public about the national significance of the Underground Railroad.