Timeline of women in warfare in Colonial America facts for kids

This article tells the stories of brave women who played important roles in American wars between 1750 and 1799. These women were not always soldiers, but they helped in many ways. They fought, nursed the wounded, and even spied. Their courage helped shape early American history.

Nancy Ward

Statue of Sybil Ludington

Molly Pitcher shown in an 1859 picture

Brave Women in Early American Conflicts

Women in the French and Indian War (1750s)

The French and Indian War lasted from 1754 to 1763. It was a big fight between Great Britain and France, with their Native American allies. Women played key roles during this time.

• Queen Alliquippa (1754–1763): She was a leader of the Seneca people. Queen Alliquippa was a very important friend to the British during this war.
• Nancy Ward (1755): Nancy Ward was a brave Cherokee leader. She fought alongside her husband at the Battle of Taliwa. When her husband was killed, she picked up his rifle. Nancy then led the Cherokee to victory in the battle.

Heroines of the American Revolution (1770s)

The American Revolution (1775-1783) was when the American colonies fought for independence from Great Britain. Many women helped the cause in different ways.

• Support Roles (1770s): During the war, women helped on the battlefield. They worked as nurses, carried water, cooked meals, and washed clothes. Some even worked as secret agents.
• Cuhtahlatah (1770s): This Cherokee woman showed great bravery. After her husband was killed in battle, she attacked the enemy. Her actions inspired her people to fight harder.
• Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson (1770s): She was the mother of future president Andrew Jackson. Elizabeth helped sick and wounded American soldiers. She nursed them, even on British prison ships. Sadly, she died from a sickness she caught while helping others.
• Jemima Warner (1775): Jemima went with her husband, Private James Warner, to Canada. She wanted to nurse him if he got sick during the campaign. Her husband died on the way to Quebec. Jemima buried him and stayed with the soldiers as a cook. She was killed by an enemy bullet during the siege of Quebec on December 11, 1775.
• Anna Maria Lane (1776): Anna Maria disguised herself as a man. She joined the Continental Army with her husband. She fought in four battles during the American Revolution. She was wounded in the Battle of Germantown. Later, she received a special payment for her bravery.
• Margaret Corbin (November 16, 1776): Margaret helped her husband operate the cannons during a battle against the British. When her husband was killed, she bravely took over. She continued to fire the cannons by herself. She later became the first woman to receive a military payment for her service.
• Sybil Ludington (April 26, 1777): It is said that Sybil rode through the night to warn colonists. She told them the British were burning the city of Danbury, Connecticut. This story comes from her family. Some historians today question if it happened exactly as told.
• Molly Pitcher (1778): Molly Pitcher was born Mary Ludwig. She is famous for her actions at the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778. She carried pitchers of water to soldiers, including her husband, who were fighting in the heat. This is how she got her nickname. When her husband became too tired to fight, she picked up his rifle. Molly then fought against the British herself.

More Revolutionary War Heroes (1780s)

• Kate Barry (1781): Kate warned the American militia that the British were coming. Her warning helped the colonists get ready for the Battle of Cowpens. Because of her, they had enough time to prepare and win the battle.
• Deborah Sampson (1782–1783): Deborah served in the American army during the American Revolution. She did this by pretending to be a man. She is known as the first American woman from Massachusetts to join the military. She was also the first to fight in combat. Later, she was the first woman to receive a military payment for her service.
• Kauwahine (1783): Kauwahine was the wife of King Kahekili II of Maui. She fought bravely beside him. Together, they defeated the Oahuan army at the Battle of Kaheiki Stream.