Historic Heroines: American Revolutionaries

Posted on July 2, 2021

by Jozlyn H

Women played many critical roles in the American Revolution and resulting War of Independence. From delegates’ wives to camp followers, to spies, women were a formidable force during the early days of the United States. Read along and discover some of the famed women who helped form our country.

Cover of Abigail Adams Cover of Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams

Not just your average Abby! Abigail Adams was a leader in her own respect. Of course, married to a strong, intelligent man, she was able to use her skills to further the cause. Abigail is famously remembered for writing to her husband, John, while he was meeting with the Continental Congress, trying for form a government and reminding him to “remember the ladies” or they too, would have a revolution of their own. Abigail was the first women to officially be bestowed the title “First Lady of the United States of America” as she was married to our second president, John Adams. They were the first presidential family to reside in the White House.

Cover of Abigail Adams Cover of Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams

Cover of The Fifth of March Cover of The Fifth of March

The Fifth of March

Cover of Dear Abigail: The Intimate Lives and Revolutionary Ideas of Abigail Adams and Her Two Remarkable Sisters Cover of Dear Abigail: The Intimate Lives and Revolutionary Ideas of Abigail Adams and Her Two Remarkable Sisters

Dear Abigail: The Intimate Lives and Revolutionary Ideas of Abigail Adams and Her Two Remarkable Sisters

Cover of Patriot Hearts: A Novel of the Founding Mothers Cover of Patriot Hearts: A Novel of the Founding Mothers

Patriot Hearts: A Novel of the Founding Mothers

Cover of Anna Strong Cover of Anna Strong

Anna Strong

Anna Strong was an important spy in the Culper Ring network. She utilized her husband’s tavern as her grounds of information in Setauket, NY. Anna lived up to her name, bravely passing signals to her counterparts through the laundry that she hung on her line that day. Anna was one of the first women to be used as a spy, since men were so conspicuous. It was less suspicious to get information from a lady spy. Read more about Anna’s story in these books and from the show, Turn!

Cover of Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring Cover of Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring

Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring

Cover of Turn: Washington’s Spies Cover of Turn: Washington’s Spies

Turn: Washington’s Spies

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Betsy Ross

Famed American Patriot, Betsy Ross is credited with sewing the first stars and stripes flag. Betsy’s grandson revealed the story of General George Washington calling upon Betsy to sew the flags. Upon seeing the idea that Washington and the Continental Congress had made, Betsy pushed for a five-pointed star instead of the six-pointed star they planned because its much faster to cut out a five pointed one. The idea was adopted, and the flags were flying. Sewing the flags was a very dangerous business for Betsy and her family. If the British caught them, it was considered treason against the crown.

Cover of Betsy Ross and the Making of America Cover of Betsy Ross and the Making of America

Betsy Ross and the Making of America

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