Clara Barton

There are many famous faces of the Civil War, but one that stands out as a source of comfort and strength is Clara Barton. The Civil War was a horrible war. There were so many killed or wounded on both sides. To be wounded during the Civil War would often mean death. There were not very many hospitals, doctors, and no trained nurses that could help care for the wounded soldiers. There was also a lack of medical supplies, medicines, and sanitary conditions.

Clara Barton was 40 years old when the Civil War started. She was working in Washington, D.C. She began hearing of all the wounded soldiers and quit her job working in the Patent Office. She traveled to the battlefields to care for the wounded soldiers. She was a hard worker with skill and dedication. She was appointed to be the superintendent of nurses for one of the Union armies. After the Civil War had ended, her work was not finished. She began searching for soldiers that were missing.

Clara’s life became a mission to help others. She established the American branch of the Red Cross in 1881. She was the first president and held this position for 22 years. Clara saw to it that the Red Cross was available to help in other wars as well as in disasters throughout the world. Clara’s legacy at the Red Cross is still felt. She made a major impact, and her example is one to be followed today.