Origins of Service - Women in the Army
During the first century and a half of our nation’s history, American women consistently found ways to serve with the Army. Camp followers in the American Revolution and Civil War provided basic, logistical support while other women stepped outside societal norms into unconventional female roles such as doctors and spies. Formal recognition and legitimization of the roles of women came in the early twentieth century. A professional, female Army Nurse Corps was established in 1901. Just a few years later, in World War I, women served in unprecedented numbers in clearly defined career fields where their skills were undisputed. The motives of these first service women varied, as did the nature of their work, but they shared a dedication and willingness to serve their country’s needs.
![Margaret Corbin](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-1.jpg)
![Young family making camp with the 31st Pennsylvania Infantry](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-2.jpg)
![Frances Clayton (a.k.a. Jack Williams)](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-3.jpg)
![Dr. Mary Walker](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-4.jpg)
![Cathay Williams](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-5.jpg)
![Team pictured here at Camp Lee, Virginia](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-6.jpg)
![Mixed race wards at Camp Sherman](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-7.jpg)
![Salvation Army women](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-8.jpg)
![French-born Louise Ruffe](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-9.jpg)
![Reconstruction and occupational aides at the Camp Lee (Virginia) Base Hospital](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-10.jpg)
![Women who worked in factories helping to make Army ordnance are featured in parade celebrating Armistice Day](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-11.jpg)
![Women manufacturing soldiers’ spiral puttees at Alexander Propper & Company](gallery/thumbnails/Origins-Fig-12.jpg)