Archaeologists have reportedly uncovered the home of Ben Ross, Harriet Tubman's father. Through their work, archaeologists found artifacts that are believed to be approximately 200 years old. One interesting artifact they have identified already is a 50 cent coin from the early 1800s. The group also found the remains of broken ceramics.
It is believed that Ross built his home on 10 acres that he inherited from a slave owner in the middle of the 19th century. The unnamed slave owner wrote in his will that Ross would be freed and obtain the land five years after his death. After acquiring the land, he welcomed his daughter, Araminta "Harriet Tubman" Ross, into the world.
"For several years we believe that Mr. Ross harvested trees on the property and sold the timber, and the timber was then transported to shipyards by free Black mariners to use to make ships in Baltimore," Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford said.
"The discovery of Ben Ross’ cabin is a major find. This discovery adds to another puzzle piece to the story of Harriet Tubman, the state of Maryland and our nation."
Growing up in the area, Tubman worked alongside her father to harvest and sell timber. She also learned to navigate nearby waterways as a child. These skills would come in handy as Tubman helped guide enslaved people from the south to the north.
"Harriet Tubman worked alongside her father as a teenager. And historians believe that Tubman learned to navigate the land and waterways she would later traverse to lead enslaved people to freedom," Rutherford explained.
Moving forward, the area where the Ross home was found will be added to the Tubman Byway. Archaeologists have also nicknamed the area, Ben's 10.
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