How Women Played a Part in the Civil War: A Look at the Battle of Gettysburg 

The Civil War was a major conflict in American history that lasted from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the Union (also known as the North) and the Confederacy (also known as the South). The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the American Civil War and is widely considered the Bloodiest Battle of the entire conflict. Taking place from July 1 to July 3, 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Battle saw over 40,000 casualties and marked a significant victory for the Union Army. But while the men of the Union and Confederacy faced off on the battlefield, women were also present and played crucial roles in the conflict.

Disguised Soldiers

While women were not officially allowed to serve in the military, some disguised themselves as men and fought alongside their male counterparts. It was not uncommon for women to take on male identities in order to participate in the military, as the physical examination for enlistment was not thorough enough to detect their true gender. Mary Livermore, a nurse and women’s rights activist, wrote in her book after the war that the number of known female soldiers was “a little less than four hundred.” However, many more women likely disguised themselves and enlisted for various reasons, including financial need and a sense of adventure.

Of those who were detected, seven were wounded, seven were taken as prisoners of war, nine died on the battlefield, and at least six gave birth to babies while serving. One woman, a Confederate soldier, was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg and was found on the west side of Cemetery Ridge. She was buried with the men of her brigade, and it was only upon her burial that it was discovered that she was a woman.

Women as Vivandieres and Nurses 

Women also served with the armies as “vivan dears,” a term borrowed from the French. These women did not attempt to disguise their gender but instead wore trousers with a skirt over them. Marie Tepe, a resident of Philadelphia at the time of the war, was one such vivandier. She followed her husband into Battle and served with the volunteer army, though not with the Regular Army due to stricter restrictions. Tepe served with the 114th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and was present at 13 battles, including Gettysburg. Despite being wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Tepe continued to serve and was reportedly under fire at each Battle she participated in. Despite her bravery and dedication to the cause, Tepe’s name is not well-known today.

Mrs A. Brett Camus, a Northern vivandier, enlisted as a nurse in 1862 and served with the Union army without her true identity being discovered. Clara Barton, another well-known nurse of the Civil War. She arrived at the battlefield just days after the fighting had ended and worked tirelessly to tend to the wounded. Barton’s efforts earned her the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield,” and she established the American Red Cross after the war.

These women provided much-needed medical care to the wounded, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.

Women as Spies and Smugglers during the Civil War

Intelligence gathering was critical to the success of both the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War, and women played a significant role in this effort. Two notable female spies were Belle Boyd and Elizabeth Van Lew. Boyd, who served as a spy for the Confederacy, was known for her ability to gather valuable information from Union soldiers and officials. Van Lew, who worked for the Union, was equally skilled at gathering intelligence from Confederate sources. Mary Virginia Wade, a Confederate sympathizer, worked as a spy and smuggler, bringing much-needed supplies to the Confederate troops during the Battle of Gettysburg.

In addition to serving as spies, some women also served as smugglers, bringing much-needed supplies and information to the front lines. The work of spies and smugglers was incredibly risky, as they faced the constant threat of discovery and punishment. Despite these risks, many women saw their work as a way to serve their cause and make a difference in the war’s outcome.

Women as Journalists 

Women also played a role as journalists during the Civil War, reporting on the conflict and providing valuable insight into the experiences of soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conflict. Mary Chesnut, a wealthy Southern woman, kept a detailed diary of her experiences during the war that offers a unique perspective on the conflict from the perspective of a woman living in the South. Margaret Fuller, a journalist and writer, covered the Civil War for the New York Tribune, offering a unique perspective on the role of women in the conflict. Both Chesnut and Fuller’s work helped to shed light on the important contributions of women during the Civil War and shaped the way that the conflict is remembered and understood today.

Women at the Homefront

While some women served on the front lines, others remained on the homefront and played crucial roles in supporting the war effort. Many women worked as seamstresses, creating uniforms and other supplies for the troops. Others worked as cooks, laundresses, and nursing assistants in hospitals. Still, others served as spies or smugglers, helping to gather information and supplies for their respective sides.

Conclusion

The role of women in the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War as a whole was diverse and essential. From disguising themselves as soldiers and serving on the front lines to providing medical care and support for the armies, women played a vital role in the conflict. Despite their bravery and contributions, the names and stories of many of these women have been largely forgotten. It is important to remember and recognize the sacrifices and bravery of these women as we look back on this defining moment in American history.