Since the beginning of human history, women have played an important—yet understated—role in medicine and healthcare. From Ancient Egyptian priestesses who acted as physician-healers, to the female surgeons and doctors of Ancient Greece, to Medieval and Colonial women taking on the burden of caregiving in their homes, women have been integral in maintaining healthy communities. While there have been many noteworthy women in medicine over time, our company’s namesake, Clara Barton, is a figure we think deserves highlighting. This Women’s History Month, we’re answering the question “Who was Clara Barton?”, diving deep into her uniquely American background and accomplishments.
Who was Clara Barton?
Clarissa “Clara” Harlowe Barton was an American educator and humanitarian who is best known for founding the American Red Cross in 1881. Before she started the United States chapter of the Red Cross, however, Clara Barton made a name for herself during the American Civil War, earning the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield” for her work distributing supplies to the Union Army and caring for injured Union soldiers.
When you think of the question “Who is Clara Barton?”, it’s important to remember that she has made a lasting impact on American history and humanitarian efforts worldwide. Her dedication to helping others in times of crisis and her pioneering spirit in breaking gender barriers make her a significant figure in American history. The organization she founded, the American Red Cross, remains a vital force in disaster relief and humanitarian aid to this day. Join us as we learn more about this important historical figure!
Where was Clara Barton born?
Clara Barton was born on Christmas Day 1821 in Oxford, Massachusetts, the daughter of a successful farmer and one of five children. According to WomensHistory.org, Barton’s first experience working as a healthcare provider was when she nursed her sick brother David as a teenager.
Shy yet determined to make an impact, Clara Barton became a teacher at 18 years old—working in Massachusetts until she founded the first free school in Bordentown, New Jersey. She eventually resigned at this school when she learned a newly-hired man was earning double her salary.
Following her stint as a teacher, Clara Barton started working for the U.S. Patent Office in 1854, becoming the first woman to be hired as a recording clerk. Here, Barton also endured sexism—she was reduced to a copyist and paid a lower salary under the leadership of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, who opposed women working in government. After a brief moment where her position was eliminated, Barton worked at the Patent Office as a copyist until the start of the American Civil War.
What did Clara Barton do in the Civil War?
During the American Civil War, Clara Barton supported the Union Army by volunteering to distribute supplies and provide healthcare to injured soldiers. Her actions during this conflict earned her the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield” and marked the beginning of her legacy as one of the nation’s early leaders in medicine.
When the Civil War started in 1861, Clara Barton was one of the very first volunteers to care for wounded soldiers at the Washington Infirmary in Washington, D.C. According to the American Battlefield Trust, once Clara Barton’s father died that same year, she decided to leave the city to instead care for soldiers on the front lines.
Clara Barton brought three army wagons full of much-needed supplies to surgeons during the Battle of Antietam in 1862, and even coordinated teams of soldiers who would render first aid, carry water, and make food for injured soldiers.
Over the course of the war, Clara Barton traveled alongside the Union Army with her supply wagons, giving first aid to Union soldiers and Confederate Army prisoners of war. Much of the supplies she brought along with her were purchased with funds from her own pocket, although she did also take donations.
Clara Barton eventually traveled back to the North in 1865, and that March, President Abraham Lincoln appointed her in charge of communicating with the friends and families of missing soldiers.
What did Clara Barton do after the Civil War?
Following the American Civil War, Clara Barton continued to help locate missing soldiers, even testifying in front of Congress about her experiences volunteering on the front lines.
In 1869, Clara Barton began a journey through Europe that would plant the seeds of the American Red Cross. She traveled to Switzerland and learned about the International Red Cross. When she returned to the U.S., Clara Barton worked to build an American Red Cross—an endeavor she successfully completed in 1881. The next year, the American Red Cross officially joined its international parent organization.
Clara Barton worked for the Red Cross until 1904, and during that time, she was a vocal supporter of the women’s suffrage movement.
When did Clara Barton die?
After a life full of service and caring for the less fortunate, Clara Barton died at her Glen Echo, Maryland home on April 12, 1912. This location became a National Historic Site in 1972—the first site dedicated to a woman’s achievements.
What is Clara Barton famous for?
Above all, Clara Barton is an American hero who is remembered for her actions caring for wounded soldiers during the American Civil War and for founding the American Red Cross during the nation’s reconstruction era.
Her legacy extends beyond these accomplishments, encompassing her pioneering work in battlefield medicine, disaster relief, and advocacy for women’s rights. Barton’s efforts in working to identify missing soldiers solidified her status as a humanitarian icon.
She broke gender barriers in government and public service, paving the way for future generations of women leaders. Barton’s enduring impact on emergency response and international aid continues to inspire humanitarian efforts worldwide, making her a pivotal figure in both American and global history.
As a leading locum tenens staffing agency, we are proud to bear Clara Barton’s name as we work to embody her spirit of service and dedication to healthcare. Just as Clara Barton revolutionized battlefield medicine and founded the American Red Cross, Barton Associates strives to innovate in healthcare staffing, ensuring medical facilities across the nation have access to quality healthcare professionals when and where they’re needed most.
Looking to become a locum tenens provider with Barton Associates? Need immediate staffing help at your medical facility? Reach out to us today and let’s get started!
