Women & the American Revolution—Anna Maria Lane

and Mary Willing Byrd

Women played an important role in America’s fight for independence.

How were women impacted by and involved in the American Revolution?

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/96511606/

A Society of Patriotic Ladies

Tea chests, for storing tea in the home

Punch bowl, used by men at social and political gatherings

Fan, symbolizes flirtation

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/96511606/

A Society of Patriotic Ladies

Citation: Letter, William H. Cabell to Speaker of the House of Delegates. January 28, 1808. Manuscript. RG 3, Governor’s Office, Executive Letter Books, William H. Cabell, July 8, 1807–March 9, 1808. Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

It may be literally & truly said that they have been worn out in the public service; and now, without property or money, and their age and infirmities rendering them unable to procure either, they must be sent forth to beg or starve, unless the humanity of the Legislature shall interfere—Their names are John Hays, William Hipkins, & John Lane—The wife of the last Anna Maria Lane is also very infirm having been disabled by a severe wound which she received while fighting, as a common soldier, in one of our Revolutionary battles, from which she has never recovered and perhaps never will recover.

Mary Willing Byrd

Image courtesy of the Library of Virginia

In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, Mary Willing Byrd wrote:

“I wish well to all mankind, to America in particular. What am I but an American? All my friends and connexions are in America; my whole property is here—could I wish ill to everything I have an interest in?"

Quotation from a lost letter recorded in the Thomas Jefferson Papers, Vol. 5, page 691.