Famous And Notorious Women From The Civil War
Harriet Tubman, best known for her courage in ferrying slaves to freedom, was truly remarkable. However, there were several women who served and achieved great fame and notoriety during the civil war. From Dr. Mary Walker, a surgeon, Sarah Lane, a recruiter, and Rose O’Neal Greenhow, a Confederate spy, these women were brave, influential, and fought passionately for what they believed in.
Dr. Mary Walker, one of few women to have gained status as a physician, volunteered to work in battlefield hospitals since the armed forces would not hire her as a doctor due to her sex.I found some more information here. Dedicated to her practice and oath, she treated wounded soldiers and would also sneak across enemy lines to treat the ill and wounded of the opposing side. She was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the first woman to receive the honor, for her services in the war and dedication to her country.
Sarah Lane worked diligently alongside her husband, a Union private, to aid the recruitment effort for Union forces in a predominantly Confederate supporting area. Following the murder of her husband by a Confederate soldier, she continued her work and was credited for alerting the Union forces of Confederate infiltration in Greeneville, Tennessee.
Rose O’Neal Greenhow was a very successful spy who, as an avid secessionist, was credited for the winning of the battle of Manassas. She stood bravely for what she believed in, and was a highly successful spy for years previous to her capture and exile to the Confederate states.
These women served with bravery and pride throughout the civil war, when they were limited due to their gender. It is only recently that they have received notoriety and fame, as well as a place in history as influential people during times of great chaos for the United States.