[Video] Women of the American Revolution

View Full

Presidents of the United States Playlist

View Full

Icons of the Past Playlist

Women of the American Revolution

Transcript:
When we think about the American Revolution, names like George Washington and Paul Revere often come to mind—but many women also played crucial, courageous roles in the fight for independence. These women didn’t just support the cause from the sidelines; they took action in ways that defied expectations and helped shape the young nation. From battlefields to printing presses, the Women of the American Revolution left an indelible mark on history.

Deborah Sampson is one of the most daring examples. Determined to serve her country, she disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the Continental Army under the name Robert Shurtliff. For over a year, she fought bravely in uniform—going so far as to tend her own wounds in secret to protect her identity. Her courage and persistence not only earned her an honorable discharge, but also recognition as one of America’s first female combat veterans.

Another young hero was Sybil Ludington, who at just 16 years old made a legendary ride through the night to alert militia forces of a British attack in New York. Covering nearly twice the distance of Paul Revere, she rallied hundreds of troops—becoming a symbol of youthful patriotism and fearless resolve.

On the cultural front, Phillis Wheatley used her poetry to champion liberty and question the contradiction of slavery in a country fighting for freedom. As the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, she challenged both racial and gender boundaries, offering a powerful voice in support of the Revolution.

On the battlefield, Mary Ludwig Hays—better known as Molly Pitcher—risked her life to keep soldiers hydrated in the heat of battle. But when her husband collapsed during the Battle of Monmouth, she stepped into his position at the cannon, continuing the fight under fire.

Meanwhile, Mercy Otis Warren used her intellect and pen to stir revolutionary sentiment. A political thinker and historian, she wrote plays and pamphlets that criticized British rule and inspired colonial resistance. After the war, she documented the Revolution in one of the first comprehensive histories written by an American, preserving the struggle for future generations.

These women of the American revolution each contributed in bold, impactful ways—through action, ideas, and words. Their stories remind us that the fight for independence was not just won by generals and soldiers, but by fearless women who stepped into roles history rarely prepared them for.