There were many women playing important roles in the Civil War, including nurses, spies, soldiers, abolitionists, civil rights advocates and promoters of women’s suffrage. Most women were engaged in supplying the troops with food, clothing, medical supplies, and even money through fundraising. Others, following in the footsteps of Florence Nightingale who pioneered the institution of professional nursing in the Crimean War, took to directly caring for the wounded, treating the sick and ensuring the health of the troops. Read more about Civil War Nurses.
WOMEN SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR
There were over 400 documented cases of women who fought as soldiers in the civil war. Disguised as men, they fought alongside others for their cause. Read our featured article below on Women Soldiers in the Civil War
Some of the more notable women in the Civil War include:
HARRIET BEECHER STOWE:
Harriet Beecher Stowe was a passionate abolitionist, and her book,Uncle Tom’s Cabin, made her an international celebrity, and is considered one of the causes of the civil war. Learn more about Harriet Beecher Stowe
HARRIET TUBMAN:
Harriet Tubman was a runaway slave who became a conductor in the underground railroad. Learn more about Harriet Tubman
MARY TODD LINCOLN:
Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln, was the First Lady during the Civil War and was a prominent figure of her era. Read more about Mary Todd Lincoln
LUCRETIA MOTT:
Lucretia Mott was an abolitionist as well as a women’s rights activist. She was elected the first president of the American Equal Rights Association, an organization dedicated to universal suffrage. Read more about Lucretia Mott
CLARA BARTON:
Clara Barton was a civil war nurse who began her career at the Battle of Bull Run, after which she established an agency to distribute supplies to soldiers. Often working behind the lines, she aided wounded soldiers on both sides. After the war, she established the American Red Cross. Read more about Clara Barton
ROSE O’ NEAL GREENHOW:
Rose O’ Neal Greenhow (aka Wild Rose) was a leader in Washington society. A dedicated secessionist, she became one of the most renowned spies in the Civil War and is credited with helping the Confederacy win The First Battle Of Bull Run.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT:
Louisa May Alcott is best known as the author of Little Women, but less known is the fact that she served as a volunteer nurse during the civil war. Read more about Louisa May Alcott
SUSAN B. ANTHONY:
Susan B. Anthony was a key figure in the women’s rights movement, more specifically the women’s suffrage movement. She also promoted prohibition of alcohol and was the co-founder of the first Women’s Temperance Movement. Read more about Susan B. Anthony
ELIZABETH CADY STANTON:
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an abolitionist and an early leader in the woman’s movement, especially the right of women to vote (women’s suffrage). Her declaration of sentiments at the Seneca Falls Convention brought the suffrage movement to national prominence. Read more about Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
