Unsung Hero Story-Women in the American

Revolution
There were many groups and individuals that played a key role during the
American Revolution that may have not received the attention they deserved. For
example, many women were not recognized after their heroic actions. They were a
major part of the fight for independence. Women planted and harvested the crops
that fed the Continental Army. They also cooked, cleaned, made guns and other
weapons, made shoes, and wove cloth for uniforms and blankets. One woman,
Handy Betsy the Blacksmith, supplied cannons and guns to the army. Betsy Ross
from Philadelphia, sewed flags for Washington’s army. Legend claims that
Washington asked her to make the first American flag of stars and stripes. But, there
is not enough evidence to prove this statement. In addition, many women joined
their soldier-husbands at the front and cared for the wounded. Martha Washington
joined her husband, George Washington, whenever she could. There were many
women who also helped during drastic battles. For example, Mary Ludwig Hays
carried water to her soldier-husband and other soldiers, during the Battle of
Monmouth in 1778. Her nickname was “Molly Picher.” When Mary’s husband was
wounded, she took his place firing and loading cannons. Margaret Corbin, the wife of
an artilleryman, was badly wounded serving in her husband’s gun crew at the Battle
of Harlem Heights in 1776. As a matter of fact, one woman, Deborah Sampson of
Massachusetts dressed as a man and fought in several battles. Overall, even though
there were some groups and individuals that did not receive the heed they
deserved, like women, they did contribute a lot to the long journey for
independence.