As the 234th birthday of the United States approaches, I wanted to find out about the females who joined in the fight for freedom. We learned in our history classes about the Declaration of Independence being signed on July 4, 1776. Our history books are filled with accounts of the men who led the Revolutionary War efforts, battles that were fought, and so on. We can recall names like George Washington, Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin when it comes to the birth of our nation. There isn't much mention of the women in those historical days, though. If we think about it for a minute, we should realize that there had to be women involved, somehow. After all, the Colonies were not inhabited by men alone.
Typically we think of the war being fought by the men and generally that was true. The women were left to protect the homesteads, raise the children, work the farms, and keep things going while their men were off starting a nation. Most of us know of the gal in Philadelphia who is given credit for making our first flag, Betsy Ross. Perhaps a few more of us have heard of Molly Pitcher who is said to have brought water to the soldiers in battle during the War of Independence. One tale of Molly tells of her taking over the cannon in a battle after her husband was wounded. Some historians feel that the tales of Molly Pitcher are a conglomeration of many females who helped in our fight for freedom.
Were there other female freedom fighters? Well, of course there were! I found a remarkable article written by CollectorsCottage about some women involved in the Revolutionary War efforts that you might not be aware of. In the article Revolutionary Heroes: Women As Homestead Warriors we find out about some remarkable women of that time in our history. We learn of a woman who enlisted in the army disguised as a man, not once but twice! Yes, she did! Her deception was found out quickly the first time but she did not let that defeat her. Deborah Sampson, disguised herself better the next time and actually served 3 years as a man the second time. We also learn about a female version of Paul Revere and a spy who most cunningly got news of an impending British attack on General Washington and his troops. Lydia Barrington, the spy, not only saved the life of the man who would become our first President but was significant in turning the tides of the war over to the Colonists.
Even if history really isn't your thing, I think you will enjoy reading about these remarkable and brave women who played a part in our having the freedom and the privilege to celebrate the 4th of July. Perhaps as you join your families this coming week and you enjoy the parades, the picnics, and the fireworks you could reflect a little on the females who also made this day possible. I plan to name their names as a firework goes off in honor of their bravery. How about you?Visit Revolutionary Heroes
Image Credit: The First American Flag by reflexart
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