Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass Honored with Statues at Maryland State House
Historical Context
In November 1864, the Maryland State House witnessed a pivotal moment when lawmakers ratified a new constitution abolishing slavery. Over 150 years later, the state capitol unveiled bronze statues of two renowned abolitionists: Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.
Harriet Tubman: The Conductor of the Underground Railroad
Born into slavery in Maryland in 1820, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom in Philadelphia in 1849. Undeterred by the risks, she made multiple trips back to Maryland, guiding around 70 enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
Frederick Douglass: The Orator and Abolitionist
Frederick Douglass, born in 1818 on Maryland’s eastern shore, fled to the North in 1838. He became a powerful orator for abolition, launched an anti-slavery newspaper, and wrote an autobiography that greatly influenced the abolitionist movement.
The Significance of the Statues
The statues of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass are installed in the Old House Chamber of the Maryland State House, the same room where slavery was abolished. They depict Tubman and Douglass as they might have appeared on that momentous day.
The statues serve as a reminder that the struggle for justice and equality is ongoing. They challenge the “pro-Southern flavor” of the State House and the lingering presence of controversial markers honoring Confederate soldiers.
The Removal of the Roger B. Taney Statue
In 2017, the statue of Roger B. Taney, who wrote the infamous Dred Scott decision denying African Americans citizenship, was removed from the State House grounds. However, other controversial markers remain, including a plaque commemorating both Union and Confederate soldiers in the Civil War.
The Legacy of Abolitionism
The statues of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass are not merely historical artifacts. They represent the ongoing fight against oppression and the power of individuals to make a difference.
The Importance of Public Art
The new statues at the Maryland State House serve as a powerful form of public art. They educate the public about the history of abolitionism, inspire activism, and promote social justice and equality.
The Sculptor’s Perspective
Ivan Schwartz, the sculptor who created the statues, believes that “it does begin to open a room with a different view.” The statues challenge the traditional narratives of Maryland history and encourage a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the past.
The Future of the State House
The unveiling of the Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass statues marks a turning point for the Maryland State House. It is a step towards recognizing the contributions of abolitionists and promoting a more just and equitable society.
The statues serve as a reminder that the fight for freedom and equality is never truly over. They inspire us to continue the work of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass and to strive for a better future for all.