How Dr. Mary is Remarkable

Dr. Mary Walker is a remarkable woman. During the [Civil] war she rendered great service to the Union army in the hospitals of the West. She asked no compensation for her work and received none. It was during this period that she adopted the bloomer costume, which was the first step toward her investiture in men’s garments… Secretary Stanton had a commission issued to her as major and surgeon of the army. Of course the appointment was purely honorary… She succeeds, however, in making a complete nuisance of herself. She demands the rights accorded to those who wear the male costume, but insists upon her privileges as a woman.

The Pittsburg Dispatch, Monday, 23 September 1889

Medical degree awarded to Mary Walker from Syracuse Medical College in 1855

Wearing her Medal of Honor, circa 1867

Dr. Mary’s Congressional Medals of Honor

Curated by Chrissie Perella

 
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