Ladies' aid societies facts for kids
Ladies' aid societies were groups of women who helped soldiers during the American Civil War. They were also called soldiers' aid societies. These groups worked hard to send supplies to soldiers fighting on the battlefield. They also cared for soldiers who were sick or hurt.
During the war, between 7,000 and 20,000 of these societies were formed. The women provided clean supplies and blankets. This work helped stop the spread of diseases among soldiers. In the North, the U.S. Sanitary Commission supported their efforts. After the war, many societies in the South became groups that remembered fallen soldiers. Free black women also created their own aid societies. For example, the Colored Ladies Soldiers' Aid Society of St. Louis, Missouri, was led by Mary Meachum. This group helped black Union soldiers at local hospitals.
Helping Soldiers: The Sanitary Commission
War always causes many injuries and deaths. But during the Civil War, for every soldier who died in battle, two died from disease. Diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid, and malaria were common. These illnesses spread easily because soldiers lived in crowded, unclean conditions.
People soon realized how important clean water, good food, and fresh air were. Women decided to take action. They started collecting food, clothing, medicine, and anything else soldiers might need. But they faced a challenge: how would they get these supplies to the soldiers?
To solve this, they held a meeting in New York. Doctors, lawyers, and religious leaders who wanted to help soldiers attended. This meeting led to the creation of the Sanitary Commission. This commission was run and supplied by everyday citizens. It worked to improve health and cleanliness for soldiers.
Cleveland's Soldiers' Aid Society
In Cleveland, a group of women from the Ladies' Aid Society met. They organized a "blanket raid" to gather blankets for the troops. A few months later, these women joined with other local groups. Together, they formed the Soldiers' Aid Society.
This organization received money from private donations. They used these funds to care for sick and wounded soldiers. They provided hospital services, food, clothing, and medical supplies. Their main distribution center was at 95 Bank (W. 6th) Street. From February 22 to March 10, 1864, the women held a "Sanitation Fair." This fair was a big event to raise money for soldiers during the Civil War.
After the Civil War: A Lasting Impact
Even after the war ended, many soldiers still needed medical care. So, many ladies' aid societies kept helping hospitals and war veterans. As these women volunteered, they learned important nursing skills. Some of them even continued to work as nurses after the war.
