40. Mata Hari
Mata Hari, one of history's most infamous spies, was executed in 1917 by the French for spying for the Germans. Was she guilty as charged?39. Anne Bradstreet
Anne Bradstreet, colonial American woman, was America's first poet. Her experiences and writings allow insight into the experience of the early Puritans in New England.38. Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott is best known as author of Little Women, and less well known for her service as a Civil War nurse and for her friendship with Ralph Waldo Emerson.37. Eudora Welty
Eudora Welty, known as a Southern writer, was a 6-time winner of the O. Henry Award for Short Stories. Her many awards include the National Medal for Literature, the American Book Award, and, in 1969, a Pulitzer Prize.36. Molly Pitcher
Molly Pitcher was the name given in several varying stories about women who fought in the American Revolution. Some of these stories may be based on events that happened to a Mary Hays McCauley who is most commonly associated with the name "Molly Pitcher", and some may be about a Margaret Corbin. (Molly was a common nickname for "Mary" which was itself a very common name of the time.)
