Clara Barton's Civil War: Between Bullet and Hospital

Clara Barton, the most famous woman to emerge from the American Civil War, served in at least four Union armies, providing food and assistance to wounded soldiers on battlefields stretching from Maryland to South Carolina. Most information about her activities comes from Barton herself, but in Clara Barton's Civil War: Between Bullet and Hospital, distinguished historian Donald Pfanz revisits her claims, comparing the information in her speeches with contemporary documents, including Barton's own wartime diary and letters. He provides the first balanced and accurate account of her wartime service, which in the end needed no exaggeration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: Westholme Publishing, U.S.

Clara Barton, the most famous woman to emerge from the American Civil War, played a significant role in providing food and assistance to wounded soldiers on battlefields stretching from Maryland to South Carolina. Despite the limited opportunities for women to work in hospitals, much less at the front, Barton served in at least four Union armies. Her selfless actions benefited thousands of soldiers, earning her the title of an American heroine. However, the extent of her wartime service remains largely unknown.

Most information about Barton's activities comes from her own accounts, as she toured the country after the war, recounting her wartime experiences to overflowing audiences. In vivid language, she described crossing the Rappahannock River under fire to succor wounded Union soldiers at Fredericksburg, transporting critical supplies to field hospitals at Antietam, and enduring searing heat and brackish water on the sun-scorched beaches of South Carolina. Barton willingly braved hardship and danger to help the young men under her care, receiving their love and respect in return.

While most of Barton's biographers have accepted her statements at face value, it is important to note that she was a relentless self-promoter and often embellished her stories to enhance her accomplishments. In Clara Barton's Civil War: Between Bullet and Hospital, distinguished historian Donald Pfanz revisits Barton's claims, comparing the information in her speeches with contemporary documents, including Barton's own.

Pfanz challenges Barton's claims that she served in at least four Union armies, noting that there is no evidence to support this assertion. He also questions the accuracy of her descriptions of her wartime experiences, particularly in regard to her crossing the Rappahannock River under fire and her transportation of critical supplies to field hospitals.

Despite these challenges, Pfanz acknowledges Barton's contributions to the Civil War effort. He highlights her efforts to establish field hospitals and provide medical care to wounded soldiers, as well as her work to promote the cause of nursing and improve healthcare standards.

In conclusion, Clara Barton's wartime service remains a subject of debate and investigation. While her actions undoubtedly benefited thousands of soldiers, it is important to approach her accounts with a critical eye and to consider the potential for embellishment. By comparing her speeches with contemporary documents and other sources, historians can gain a more nuanced understanding of her contributions to the Civil War and her place in American history.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781594163104