Maria Lewis (soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maria Lewis
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Maria Lewis |
| Other name(s) | George Harris |
| Born | c. 1846 Albemarle County, Virginia |
| Died | Unknown |
| Allegiance | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1863-1865 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Company C of the 8th New York Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia, Battle of Gettysburg |
Maria Lewis, also known as George Harris, was a brave soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. She had been enslaved but found a way to freedom. She became well-known for her service in the Eighth New York Cavalry.
Contents
Who Was Maria Lewis?
Maria Lewis was an amazing person who lived during a very important time in American history. She showed incredible courage and determination. Her story is about fighting for freedom and serving her country.
Early Life and Escape
Maria Lewis was born around 1846 in Albemarle County, Virginia. During this time, she and her family lived under slavery. When she was about seventeen years old, Maria made a bold decision. She escaped slavery by pretending to be a man. She joined Company C of the 8th New York Cavalry.
Maria took on the name George Harris. This name came from a character in the famous book Uncle Tom's Cabin. That character also escaped by pretending to be someone else. Maria first planned to use her disguise to travel north to freedom. However, she discovered she enjoyed the independence that came with being a soldier. She decided to stay with the army.
Serving in the Union Army
Maria Lewis served with General Philip Sheridan's cavalry unit. They were in the Shenandoah Valley for about eighteen months. During her time as a soldier, she fought in important battles. One of these was the Battle of Waynesboro, which happened on March 2, 1865.
Maria stood out among her fellow soldiers. She showed great bravery and skill. Because of her excellent service, she became part of an honor guard. This special group was chosen to present seventeen captured enemy flags to the Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton.
Life After the War
After her time in the army, Maria Lewis met an abolitionist family from New York, the Wilburs. Abolitionists were people who worked to end slavery. Maria became friends with them. She later shared her secret with the family, telling them she was a woman.
The Wilbur family was very supportive. They gave her clothes and helped her find a job. Maria also received lessons from Julia Wilbur's sister, Frances. It is believed she learned to read and write during this time. Before the Civil War, enslaved people were often not allowed to learn these skills. Not much is known about Maria Lewis's life after the war ended.
See also
