Clara Barton
and Angels of the Battlefield
Clara Barton started out in the civil war by gathering and delivering supplies to the Union army surgeons on the battle field.
Antietam
She arrived at the "Cornfield" around noon and delivered her supplies. Then she started her work while bullets flew by. She prepared food for the soldiers and brought water. Once while caring for a soldier she felt her sleeve quiver. When she looked down she found that the bullet had killed the man she was helping.
"A ball has passed between my body and the right arm which supported him, cutting through his chest from shoulder to shoulder. There was no more to be done for him and I left him to his rest. I have never mended that hole in my sleeve. I wonder if a soldier ever does mend a bullet hole in his coat?"- Clara Barton
At the battle of Antietam Clara got the nickname "Angel of the Battlefield"
Post war
After the war, Clara worked for the war department, helping to reunite soldiers and their families. She also lectured crowds of people on her war experiences.
The American Red Cross
While in Europe, Clara worked for a group called the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian war. After returning to the states she advocated for an American branch of this organization.
The American Red Cross Society was formed in 1881 and she served as its first president. The group provides relief and assistance to those in need.
Group of Red Cross nurses
One of the Red Cross logos
Red Cross station