Some 200 years after her birth, she was awarded the rank of General in Maryland’s National Guard on Veterans Day 2024
The Final Jeopardy clue for Friday, June 13, 2025, came from the category Historic Names:
“Some 200 years after her birth, she was awarded the rank of General in Maryland’s National Guard on Veterans Day 2024.”
Who is Harriet Tubman?
This clue referenced one of the most iconic figures in American history, Harriet Tubman. Born around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman escaped enslavement and went on to become a key conductor on the Underground Railroad, risking her life to lead hundreds of enslaved people to freedom. Her efforts during the Civil War included serving as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army. Despite these major contributions, Tubman never received a formal military rank during her lifetime.
On November 11, 2024—Veterans Day—Maryland’s National Guard posthumously awarded Tubman the honorary rank of Brigadier General. This move was both symbolic and significant. It recognized her contributions to national defense during a time when women, and especially African American women, were excluded from formal recognition in military service. The ceremony took place in her home state, where state leaders and descendants participated in honoring her legacy.
Military Contributions Long Overlooked
While Harriet Tubman is best known for her work with the Underground Railroad, her role during the Civil War has gained more attention in recent decades. Working with Union forces, she became the first woman in U.S. history to lead an armed military raid. In 1863, Tubman guided the Combahee River Raid in South Carolina, which resulted in the liberation of more than 700 enslaved people. This action alone marked her as an extraordinary military figure, yet formal military honors were never extended during her lifetime.
The Maryland National Guard’s decision to grant her the honorary rank of General was part of a broader movement to address historical gaps in recognition. Officials emphasized that Tubman’s courage and leadership were on par with high-ranking military officers of her time, even if not formally acknowledged then. The 2024 proclamation corrected part of that historical oversight and ensured her contributions would be recognized through an official state military honor.
Veterans Day 2024: Ceremony and Significance
The honorary promotion took place during a public ceremony in Maryland. Governor Wes Moore, himself a veteran, played a central role in awarding Tubman the honorary title. He emphasized the need to revisit history through a more inclusive lens and called the promotion “a long-overdue gesture of respect.” The event included a wreath-laying, a reading of Tubman’s accomplishments, and military honors presented in full regalia.
The ceremony came roughly two centuries after Tubman’s birth, making the timing particularly meaningful. While Tubman passed away in 1913, her influence remains deeply embedded in American culture and education. The honorary promotion not only acknowledged her tactical abilities but also underscored the evolving understanding of who is remembered and honored in U.S. military history.
Jeopardy’s Role in Highlighting Historical Moments
The inclusion of Harriet Tubman’s posthumous promotion as a Final Jeopardy clue offered viewers more than just trivia—it was a moment of education. Jeopardy has long been known for using its platform to illuminate lesser-known stories and recognize underrepresented contributions to American history. This clue exemplified that mission by spotlighting a milestone that may not have been widely covered in mainstream outlets.
By including this moment in its broadcast, the show encouraged viewers to learn more about Tubman’s broader role beyond the Underground Railroad. It also served as a reminder that history continues to be revisited, reassessed, and updated to reflect a fuller and more accurate understanding of past events and people.
A Legacy Reinforced
Harriet Tubman’s legacy as a freedom fighter has never been in doubt. What the Maryland National Guard’s 2024 promotion demonstrated was that her service in defense of American values—freedom, justice, and courage—deserved the same military recognition granted to others who fought for those ideals. With this honorary rank, Tubman is now not only a hero of the people but also a formal member of the military story she helped shape.
Her recognition as a General two hundred years after her birth aligns with broader efforts to acknowledge the roles of women and African Americans in shaping the United States. The Jeopardy clue brought this historic gesture to a national audience, reinforcing the importance of looking back to do justice in the present.