Clara Barton- Angel of the Battlefield
Clara Barton was one of the most influential Civil War nurses during the 1800s. At the time, mostly men worked in the nursing field, as women were thought to be too fragile to work as a nurse. Before Barton was a nurse, she worked in the US patent office and had to aid many soldiers who were wounded or hungry. After seeing the immense amount of soldiers who needed help, Clara decided to bring supplies, clothing, and food to the soldiers. Not only did she physically assist the wounded soldiers, Clara Barton provided emotional aid as well. She would give words of encouragement and even pray with severely injured soldiers. Since Barton knew how much help the infantry needed, she asked many government officials if she could help the nurses in the field hospitals. After countless attempts, Clara's wish was granted, and she set off to help at the battlefields. Here she was given her nickname "Angel of the Battlefield," because she was said to have arrived at the field hospital when her help was needed most. During the war, Clara helped the soldiers by cooking, consoling, and nursing the infantry. Since Barton had gotten very close to some the soldiers, during the end of the war, she started a search party for the troopers who had gone missing in action. With help from other associates, she was able to find over 22,000 soldiers. Additionally, Clara Barton founded the most well known organization in the United States: The American Red Cross. During her life Clara Barton saved thousands of lives and proved women were capable of anything.