The Library of Virginia >> Exhibitions >> Working Out Her Destiny | |
Where are the Women: Examples from the LVA Collections A War Veteran |
|
Introduction Where are the Women: |
Fugitive bits of evidence such as receipts enable historians to reconstruct the remarkable life of Anna Maria Lane, a Revolutionary War veteran. Perhaps a native of New Hampshire, Anna Maria Lane followed her husband, John, who enlisted in the Continental army in 1776 and served in the campaigns in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Many women worked as cooks or seamstresses or laundry assistants at the military camps. Anna Maria dressed in men's clothing and performed the duties of a soldier. At the Battle of Germantown, near Philadelphia, on 3 October 1777, she performed "extraordinary military services" and was wounded in battle. After the war, the Lanes lived in Virginia, where
John worked at the arsenal in Fluvanna County. In 1801 the couple
moved to Richmond and John joined the public guard. Anna Maria
volunteered to assist in the military hospital and made the
acquaintance of Dr. John H. Foushee, at whose request Governor James
Monroe authorized her to be paid for her work. Historical Highway Marker for Anna Maria Lane. 2004. Library of Virginia. |