Women of the Revolutionary War Camp Follower Soldier Messenger Manufacturer Head of Household Writer Women fulfilled a number of important roles during America’s fight for freedom.

Camp Follower Camp followers were the wives of soldiers. These women cooked all of the meals, washed and mended the soldiers’ clothing, and cared for the sick and wounded. Camp followers were given partial rations. They marched behind the troops, often in a disorganized manner.

Soldier Some women felt so strongly about our independence that they assisted their husbands in battle or joined the continental army disguised as men. Margaret Corbin Nancy Hart Mary Hays (Molly Pitcher) Deborah Sampson

Messenger People had to travel by foot or by horse to send messages. The British were a threat to all travelers. In order to protect their families, they often preferred to remain anonymous. Lydia Darragh Sybil Ludington Anna Strong

Manufacturer Women from across the colonies came to aid the troops. These women gathered to weave cloth for uniforms, knit socks, and collect support funds. Ruth Draper Esther Reed Betsy Ross Angelica Vrooman

Head of Household With a majority of the men away at war, women had to take over many responsibilities on the home front. They ran farms and businesses left behind by their menfolk. Some times they were confronted with danger and had to defend their families and their homes. Rebecca Motte Catherine Schuyler

Writer Women were not considered to be great intellectuals in colonial society. Their thoughts and opinions were rarely acknowledged. However, there were many women who voiced their beliefs about the war through writing. Mercy Otis Warren Phillis Wheatley