Margaret Corbin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margaret Cochran Corbin
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The 1909 memorial dedicated to Margaret Corbin and her compatriots in Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan, New York City, near the location of the Battle of Fort Washington
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Margaret Cochran
November 12, 1751 |
| Died | January 16, 1800 (aged 48) |
| Spouse(s) | John Corbin |
| Children | Abigail |
Margaret Cochran Corbin (born November 12, 1751 – died January 16, 1800) was a brave woman. She fought in the American Revolutionary War. On November 16, 1776, her husband, John Corbin, was a soldier. He was helping to defend Fort Washington in Manhattan. About 600 American soldiers faced 4,000 attacking Hessian troops. These Hessians were German soldiers fighting for the British.
Margaret was worried about her husband. She decided to go with him to the battle. She was allowed to go as a nurse for injured soldiers. John Corbin was part of a cannon crew. When he was hurt, Margaret took his place. She kept firing the cannon even though it was very dangerous. She had watched her husband, who was a trained artilleryman. So, she knew how to fire, clean, and aim the cannon. She did it with great skill and speed. This impressed the other soldiers.
Later, Margaret Corbin made history. She became the first woman in the U.S. to get a pension from Congress. A pension is like a regular payment. She received it for her military service. She could no longer work because of her injuries. She was also part of the Corps of Invalids. This was a group for wounded soldiers.
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Margaret Corbin's Early Life
Margaret Cochran was born on November 12, 1751. This was in Western Pennsylvania. Today, that area is Franklin County. Her family name, Cochran, comes from Ireland. Her parents were Robert and Sarah Cochran. Robert was an Irish immigrant.
When Margaret was five years old, in 1756, her family was attacked. Her father was killed. Her mother was kidnapped and never seen again. Margaret and her brother, John, were not home during the attack. So, they were safe. Margaret lived with her uncle after that.
In 1772, Margaret was 21 years old. She married a farmer from Virginia named John Corbin.
Fighting in the American Revolution
When the war started, John Corbin joined the army. He became a "matross" in the Pennsylvania Artillery. A matross was a helper on a cannon crew. Like many wives at that time, Margaret went with her husband. She became a camp follower. She cooked, washed clothes, and cared for wounded soldiers.
She was sometimes called "Molly Pitcher". Many women who brought water during battles got this nickname. Margaret brought water for thirsty soldiers. She also used it to cool down hot cannons.
On November 16, 1776, the British attacked Fort Washington. John's company was part of the soldiers left there. General George Washington had moved his main army. John Corbin was in charge of a small cannon. It was on a ridge, now called Bennett Park.
During the attack, John was killed. His cannon was left without anyone to fire it. Margaret had been with him on the battlefield. When she saw him fall, she quickly took his place. She kept firing the cannon. She fought until she was badly hurt. Her arm, chest, and jaw were hit by enemy fire.
The British won the Battle of Fort Washington. Margaret and her fellow soldiers had to surrender. This meant the British took control of New York City. Margaret was treated like a wounded soldier. The British released her on parole. This meant she promised not to fight again.
Life After the Battle
After the battle, Margaret went to Philadelphia. She was completely disabled from her wounds. She never fully recovered. Life was very hard for her because of her injuries.
In 1779, she started to get help from the government. On June 29, the Executive Council of Pennsylvania gave her $30. This was to help her with her immediate needs. They also sent her case to Congress.
On July 6, 1779, Congress's Board of War was impressed by her bravery. They felt sorry for her injuries. They decided to give her half the monthly pay of a soldier. This was from the Continental Army. She also received money for new clothes. Because of this, Margaret became the first woman in the United States to get a military pension from Congress.
After Congress's decision, Margaret stayed on military lists. She was part of the Corps of Invalids. This group was made for wounded soldiers. In 1781, this group moved to West Point, New York. Margaret was officially discharged from the army in 1783. There is a historical marker near her monument at West Point.
Later Years
Margaret Corbin received money from the government after the war. She was the first woman to do so. She died on January 16, 1800. She was 48 years old. She passed away in Highland Falls, New York. The local historical society put up a marker there. It honors "Captain Molly," her nickname.
Margaret Corbin's Legacy
A memorial was built in 1909 to remember her bravery. It is near where she fought. This area is now New York City's Fort Tryon Park. Outside the park's main entrance is "Margaret Corbin Circle." "Margaret Corbin Drive" goes through the park. It connects to the Henry Hudson Parkway.
A plaque honoring Corbin was placed in 1982. It is on Margaret Corbin Drive. A large Art Deco mural also shows the Battle of Fort Washington. It is in an apartment building lobby nearby. The New York Historical Association said Corbin was "honored as no woman of the revolution has ever been honored before."
In 1926, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) confirmed Margaret's records. They recognized her heroism. Remains believed to be hers were moved. They were re-buried with full military honors. This was at the West Point Cemetery. The Margaret Corbin Monument was put up there by the DAR. However, a study in 2017 found that the remains were not hers. They belonged to an unknown male. The true location of Margaret Corbin's remains is still unknown.
See also
In Spanish: Margaret Corbin para niños
