Western Sanitary Commission facts for kids

The Western Sanitary Commission was a special group that helped soldiers during the American Civil War. It was based in St. Louis, Missouri. This group worked to care for soldiers who were sick or hurt. It also helped people who had been freed from slavery.

What Was the Western Sanitary Commission?

The Western Sanitary Commission was a private organization. This means it was not part of the government. It was like a helpful charity during the war. It worked mostly in the western parts of the United States. This group was a bit like another, bigger group called the U.S. Sanitary Commission. But the Western Sanitary Commission focused on its own area.

How It Started

The Western Sanitary Commission began in St. Louis in August 1861. It had the support of General John C. Frémont. Two important leaders were Reverend William Greenleaf Eliot and James E. Yeatman.

First Missions

One of its first big jobs was to help soldiers hurt in the Battle of Wilson's Creek. This battle happened not long after the group started. In just six weeks, they opened four large hospitals. These hospitals could hold more than 2,000 sick or wounded soldiers. They also set up places for soldiers to rest and get better after being sick.

Helping Soldiers and Others

The Commission did many important things:

• Supplies: They made sure hospitals had enough medicines and medical tools.
• Nurses: They worked with Dorothea Dix to find women who could be nurses in Army hospitals. These women helped care for the soldiers.
• Care for Freed People: The group also helped people who had been freed from slavery. They gave them clothes and places to stay. They even started schools for Black children.

How It Was Funded

The Western Sanitary Commission needed a lot of money to do its work. It spent about $50,000 each month. This money came from people who donated. Many donations came from St. Louis, but also from places like California and New England. The group kept helping with different projects until 1886.