American women have participated in defense of this nation in both war and peacetime. Their contributions, however, have gone largely unrecognized and unrewarded.
African American women in the 19th century
While women in the United States Armed Forces share a history of discrimination based on gender, black women have faced both race and gender discrimination. Initially barred from official military status, black women persistently pursued their right to serve.
During the Civil War, black women’s services included nursing or domestic chores in medical settings, laundering and cooking for the soldiers.
A set of fabulous photos from mj aux that show studio portraits of African American women in the 19th century.
Close-up portrait of a woman with huge shouldered dress, Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Conkling and Savitsky, 213 N. 16th St., Omaha)
Close-up portrait of a woman in high-collared dress, St. Joseph, Missouri. (Photo by Lozo, 420 Felix Street, St. Joseph, Mo.)
Portrait of a bright-eyed young woman, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Photo by Williams, First and Main Sts., Fort Scott)
Portrait of a serious-looking woman, Waelder, Texas. (Photo by McCallum, Waelder, Texas)
Portrait of a smiling young woman, Canandaigua, New York. (Photo by Finely and Sons, Main Street, Canandaigua, N.Y.)
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