37 Facts About Mary Edwards Walker

Early Life and Education

Mary Edwards Walker was a trailblazer in many ways. Her early life set the stage for her groundbreaking achievements.

1. Born on November 26, 1832, in Oswego, New York, Walker was the youngest of seven children.
2. Her parents, Alvah and Vesta Walker, were progressive thinkers who believed in equal education for boys and girls.
3. Walker attended Falley Seminary in Fulton, New York, where she developed a keen interest in medicine.
4. She graduated from Syracuse Medical College in 1855, becoming one of the first female physicians in the United States.

Medical Career and Civil War Service

Walker's medical career took off during the Civil War, where she made significant contributions.

5. She volunteered as a surgeon for the Union Army, initially serving as a nurse because female surgeons were not accepted.
6. Walker was eventually appointed as a contract surgeon, making her the first female surgeon in the U.S. Army.
7. She often crossed enemy lines to treat civilians and soldiers, showing remarkable bravery.
8. Captured by Confederate forces in 1864, she spent four months in a prisoner-of-war camp before being released in a prisoner exchange.

Awards and Recognition

Mary Edwards Walker's contributions did not go unnoticed. She received several accolades for her service.

9. In 1865, she became the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States.
10. Her Medal of Honor was rescinded in 1917 when the government reviewed eligibility criteria but was restored posthumously in 1977.
11. Walker was also awarded the Southern Cross of Honor by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, a rare honor for a Union supporter.

Advocacy and Activism

Walker was not just a medical professional; she was also a fierce advocate for women's rights and social reform.

12. She was an outspoken supporter of women's suffrage, often speaking at rallies and writing articles.
13. Walker advocated for dress reform, famously wearing men's clothing to promote practicality and comfort.
14. She was arrested multiple times for wearing men's attire but continued to challenge societal norms.
15. Walker wrote two books, "Hit" and "Unmasked, or the Science of Immorality," discussing her views on gender equality and social issues.

Later Life and Legacy

Mary Edwards Walker's later years were marked by continued activism and a lasting legacy.

16. She continued to practice medicine and advocate for social reform until her death on February 21, 1919.
17. Walker's home in Oswego, New York, is a National Historic Landmark.
18. The Mary Walker Health Center at SUNY Oswego is named in her honor.
19. In 2012, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Personal Life and Character

Walker was known for her strong character and unique personality traits.

20. She married fellow medical student Albert Miller in 1855 but kept her maiden name, a rare choice at the time.
21. The marriage ended in divorce in 1869, partly due to her husband's infidelity and her independent nature.
22. Walker was a vegetarian and believed in holistic health practices.
23. She often carried a loaded pistol for protection, reflecting her fearless nature.

Contributions to Medicine

Walker's contributions to the medical field were groundbreaking and influential.

24. She was a pioneer in advocating for hygiene and sanitation in medical practices.
25. Walker promoted the use of alternative treatments, including hydrotherapy and homeopathy.
26. She was one of the first to emphasize the importance of mental health in overall well-being.
27. Walker's medical articles and lectures helped pave the way for future female physicians.

Influence on Women's Rights

Walker's impact on women's rights extended beyond her lifetime.

28. She inspired future generations of women to pursue careers in medicine and other male-dominated fields.
29. Walker's advocacy for dress reform influenced the women's suffrage movement.
30. Her fearless defiance of gender norms challenged societal expectations and opened doors for future activists.
31. Walker's writings and speeches continue to be studied by scholars of women's history and gender studies.

Commemorations and Memorials

Mary Edwards Walker's legacy is honored through various commemorations and memorials.

32. A statue of Walker stands in front of the Oswego Town Hall in New York.
33. The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp in her honor in 1982.
34. Walker's Medal of Honor is displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
35. The Mary Walker Clinic at Fort Irwin, California, serves military personnel and their families.

Interesting Tidbits

Some lesser-known facts about Walker add depth to her fascinating life story.

36. She was an avid writer, keeping detailed diaries and journals throughout her life.
37. Walker was known for her quick wit and sharp sense of humor, often using it to disarm critics and opponents.

Mary Edwards Walker: A Legacy of Courage

Mary Edwards Walker's life was nothing short of extraordinary. From her groundbreaking achievements as a surgeon during the Civil War to her tireless advocacy for women's rights, she broke barriers and defied societal norms. Her dedication to equality and justice left an indelible mark on history.

Walker’s courage and determination serve as an inspiration for generations. She was the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, a testament to her bravery and service. Her efforts in reforming dress codes and promoting women's suffrage paved the way for future activists.

Remembering Mary Edwards Walker means celebrating a life dedicated to progress and change. Her story reminds us that one person can make a significant impact, challenging us to continue her legacy of fighting for a more equitable world.