Jane Peters Estes treated us to a fascinating presentation about Vivandieres - the women who served with both Union and Confederate armies. These women actually shared the dangers of the battlefield in order to aid the men in their regiments. Two of these women received medals for “bravery under fire.”
These women wore uniforms - often of their own making, or purchased with their own funds. They wore skirts, but also pants to allow ease of service.
They served as water bearers, nurses, color bearers, and even rallied the troops in times of hesitancy. Some were skilled riders on horseback.
Regular army regiments were reluctant to allow them to serve with them, therefore almost all served with the volunteer regiments for the various states, Including the 25th PA from our own region.
She highlighted the lives of a number of the women, some of whom blended into the troops, as well as others who were colorful and much beloved.
Pictured below is also our May book raffle winners.
