Steps retraced: Historian to trek Tubman’s journey from Maryland to Canada

In 1996, Anthony Cohen embarked on a 750-mile walk from Maryland to Canada.

Thirty years later, the historian will once again make that journey through America, retracing Harriet Tubman’s well-traveled path through the Underground Railroad.

“I wanted to honor Black history, which is American history, and I wanted to travel and meet with everyday Americans,” Cohen said.

His return to the trail comes as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. This time, Cohen’s on a mission to educate those about Tubman.

“Not only helped members of her community reach freedom, but really all Americans,” Cohen said. “Because we remember her story, we take strength and we find solace in what she did. It’s the story that keeps on giving.”

Accompanying Cohen on his tread through America will be a 2,000-pound statue depicting Tubman and her niece called the Harriet Tubman Journey to Freedom.

The statue has stops throughout the trek to educate about the abolitionist’s story.

The statue’s only stop in Virginia came before the walk, in Fredericksburg. The city holds a history of enslaved Americans fighting for self-preservation.

“The Rappahannock River, which we talked about earlier,” Joy Crump of the Fredericksburg City Council said. “Ten-thousand enslaved Americans self-emancipated to freedom.”

Fredericksburg residents say Cohen’s efforts are important to understanding the country’s entire history.

For 95-year-old Cleo Coleman, getting a chance to see the statue in person was a memorable experience.

“I have had a passion for history for a long time and I am so grateful, really, for all who helped to bring this about,” Coleman said.

As for Cohen, he’s gearing up to embark on his second on-foot journey to Canada, which is set to begin May 4 and end July 4.