Women of the Revolution: Bravery and Sacrifice on the Southern Battlefields

by Robert M. Dunkerly

Discover the lasting legacy of Southern Women during the Revolutionary War whether they were on the sidelines or on the battlefield. Each of the Southern Revolutionary battlefields holds the history of soldiers and legends of women. From the wooded slopes of Kings Mountain to the fields of Cowpens, to the lesser-known sites like Fishing Creek and Hanging Rock, author Robert M. Dunkerly uncovers the stories and legends surrounding the women who were caught up in the struggle. This book serves not only as a study of the battles, but also as a chronicle of the experiences of women in the eighteenth century. Some were camp followers attached to the armies, while others were civilians caught in the line of fire. Women were present on nearly every battlefield, and their stories are told here for the first time.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American Revolutionary War

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

About the author

Bert Dunkerly is a historian, award-winning author, and speaker who is actively involved in historic preservation and research. He holds a degree in History from St. Vincent College and a Masters in Historic Preservation from Middle Tennessee State University. He has worked at nine historic sites, written nine books, including Redcoats on the Cape Fear, about the Revolution in Wilmington. His research includes archaeology, colonial life, military history, and historic commemoration. Dunkerly is currently a Park Ranger at Richmond National Battlefield Park. He has visited over 400 battlefields and over 700 historic sites worldwide. When not reading or writing, he enjoys hiking, camping, and photography.

Reviews

[Debbie Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a historical junkie

I found this to be a truly amazing book. I never knew that camp followers were the women and children who followed their husbands, sons, and fathers with their militia forces and or battalions. I have read many books about the American revolution, however this is the first book that I’ve seen that discusses the women of the revolution. I live in New Jersey where a large number of battles were fought. Therefore, I am more familiar with northern battles, although I have read of the western theater as well as the southern theater.

[Connie Huddleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book for historical/background research for a novel. The book is well written and the author is very clear about the accuracy of each individual story within the book. Well written and organized. Good photos.

[Kristin Nare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stirring description of the era before the "blue and pink" gender-segregated world of the 19th century. This was an era when girls learned the skills of their fathers, and went to war (as camp followers) with their husbands. Honestly it's my favorite historical era and I really enjoyed hearing the tales of these intrepid women who helped defend their homes, followed the camps, and spied on the enemy. It was very helpful to read a book centred on the South during the War for American Independence on this niche subject.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I research my Revolutionary War antecedents, I am drawn into the life of the Patriots more and more. Were they close to John Adams, Or the Crowninshields, Bramhin of Boston. My sense that they were and I can relate to them as to my forefathers. TRUTH is always just that, and it enriches one's life.

[Rubin Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

GOOD BOOK ON A GREAT SUBJECT BUT A LITTLE BLAND WORTH READING THOUGH ESPECIALLY FOR N.C LOCAL HISTORY BUFFS CERTAINLY TELLS THE VERY LITTLE TOLD STORIES OF THE VALUABLE ROLE OF WOMEN IN A HISTORY NORMALLY DOMINATED BY MALE EXPLOITS ALONE