Women and the American Revolution

Women's lives began to change with the American Revolution. Every war means more women taking charge during the absence and after the deaths of husbands and fathers. After the war, talk of rights raised issues of women's rights and education. Read about some individual women whose voices were heard and about the lives of other women whose...

While her husband John Adams was part of the Continental Congress declaring independence, Abigail Adams managed the family farm. When he was a diplomat in Europe for the new nation, she joined him there.

A profile of Sybil Ludington highlighting her heroic 1777 ride to raise militia troops to stop the British advance.

Who was Molly Pitcher? Read more about the life and exploits of Mary Hays McCauly, the woman who came to be called Molly Pitcher, and how she's remembered.

Images in art depicting Molly Pitcher, heroine of the Battle of Monmouth.

Betsy Ross is one of the most popular female figures associated with the American Revolutionary War. Read more about her life story and how she came to be associated with making the country's first flag.

Martha Washington accompanied her husband, General George Washington, to war, modeling sacrifice and dedication for other Americans.

Women in the Revolutionary War: Deborah Samson, Anne Bailey, and others. Also debunks the Molly Pitcher legend.

She fought in the American Revolution alongside her husband, continued fighting when her husband was killed, and was awarded a half-pension for her injuries and service.

This page includes photos of statues of several women who fought in the American Revolution, along with short profiles. Included: Sybil Ludington, Margaret Corbin, Mary Ludwig Hays, Deborah Samson.

Canton, Massachusetts, Historical Society on the official heroine of the state of Massachusetts. Site plays music (controls at bottom of page).