In the annals of American history, few figures shine as brightly and controversially as Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. A true pioneer, she was an intrepid feminist, an ardent abolitionist, a steadfast prohibitionist, a suspected spy, a prisoner of war, and, most notably, a trailblazing surgeon during the American Civil War. Her indomitable spirit led her to achieve what no woman before or since has: the Congressional Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration for bravery.
Born into a progressive family in Oswego, New York, on November 26, 1832, Mary Edwards Walker was the youngest of five daughters, with one younger brother. Her father, Alvah Walker, a country doctor, instilled in his children a deep belief in education, equality, and free thought, influencing Mary’s future path significantly. He was also a staunch abolitionist and actively participated in various reform movements of the era. Alvah’s unconventional views extended to his daughters’ attire, encouraging them to wear boys’ clothing while working on the family farm, believing traditional women’s wear to be restrictive.
Early Life, Education, and Pioneering Medical Career
Mary’s educational journey began in a schoolhouse built by her father on their property, where her mother, Vesta, served as the teacher. This foundation was augmented by her attendance at the Falley Seminary in Fulton, New York. In 1852, Mary followed her mother’s footsteps, embarking on a teaching career in Minetto, New York, carefully saving her earnings with a higher ambition in mind.
Her ultimate dream was to become a physician, a remarkable aspiration for a woman in the mid-19th century. In December 1853, she enrolled in Syracuse Medical College. At just 21 years old, she proudly graduated in June 1855, making her the sole woman in her graduating class and only the second female doctor in the entire nation, after Elizabeth Blackwell. This early achievement underscored her unwavering determination to break societal barriers.
Like her progressive father, Mary quickly immersed herself in the burgeoning reform movements of her time. She became an early and vocal advocate for Women’s Rights, dress reform, and the abolition of slavery. Her commitment to unconventional ideals was evident even in her personal life. When she married fellow physician Albert Miller in 1856, she chose to wear trousers and a man’s coat, symbolically rejecting traditional bridal attire, and famously retained her maiden name, Mary Edwards Walker. The couple attempted to establish a medical practice in Rome, New York, but faced significant public resistance and prejudice, as society was largely unprepared to accept a woman physician.
Civil War Service: Surgeon, Prisoner, and Patriot
The outbreak of the American Civil War presented both immense challenges and unprecedented opportunities for Dr. Walker. Driven by a profound sense of duty and patriotism, she volunteered her medical services to the Union Army. Despite her qualifications, she was initially denied a commission as a medical officer due to her gender, as the Army had no provisions for female surgeons. Undeterred, Mary Edwards Walker served as an unpaid volunteer nurse, primarily at the U.S. Patent Office Hospital in Washington, D.C., and was present at the First Battle of Bull Run.
Her dedication soon led her to serve as an unpaid field surgeon, often operating near the perilous Union front lines. This groundbreaking role made her the first female surgeon to actively work with the U.S. Army in such a capacity. For nearly two years, she braved the dangers of war, providing vital medical care during significant engagements, including the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Chickamauga. Her persistent efforts and demonstrated competence finally earned her a commission as a “Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon (civilian)” from the Army of the Cumberland in September 1863, a testament to her undeniable skill and bravery.
During her service, Dr. Walker frequently crossed battle lines to treat wounded civilians and soldiers, sometimes even ministering to Confederate troops. This practice, combined with her unconventional attire, led to her capture by Confederate forces on April 10, 1864, under suspicion of being a spy. She was subsequently held as a prisoner of war in Richmond, Virginia, enduring harsh conditions until her release in a prisoner exchange on August 12, 1864. Following her release, she continued her invaluable service, notably during the Battle of Atlanta, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the Union cause.
The Congressional Medal of Honor: A Unique Recognition
On November 11, 1865, in recognition of her extraordinary service and “distinguished gallantry, self-sacrifice, patriotism, dedication, and unflinching loyalty to her country,” President Andrew Johnson signed a bill awarding Dr. Mary Edwards Walker the Congressional Medal of Honor. This made her the only woman in history to receive this prestigious award, and one of only eight civilians ever honored with it. Her medal was a profound acknowledgment of her courage and pioneering efforts in a male-dominated field during a brutal conflict.
However, her singular achievement faced a significant challenge in 1917 when Congress revised the Medal of Honor standards to exclusively recognize “actual combat with an enemy.” As a result, Dr. Walker’s medal, along with those of 910 other non-combatants, was controversially revoked. True to her defiant nature, Mary steadfastly refused to return the medal, proudly wearing it every day until her death in 1919. It wasn’t until 60 years later, in 1977, that an Army board posthumously reinstated her medal, reaffirming her immense contributions and rectifying a historical injustice.
Post-War Activism and Enduring Legacy
After the war, Dr. Walker continued her tireless work as a reformer and activist. Following her divorce in 1869, she took on roles as a supervisor of a female prison in Louisville, Kentucky, and as head of an orphanage in Tennessee. She became a prolific writer and lecturer, using her platform to champion various causes, including health care reform, temperance, and women’s rights, particularly dress reform. She wrote two books and actively participated in the women’s suffrage movement, collaborating with influential leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Her lifelong commitment to challenging gender norms was perhaps most visible in her personal style. Dr. Walker frequently donned men’s clothing, including a top hat, viewing women’s restrictive fashion as detrimental to health and equality. This unconventional choice often led to public scrutiny and even multiple arrests for “impersonating a man,” yet she remained resolute in her sartorial and social statements.
Mary Edwards Walker passed away from natural causes at the age of 86 on February 21, 1919. She was buried in Rural Cemetery, Oswego, New York, in her preferred black suit, with her casket draped in an American flag, a final symbol of her lifelong patriotism and defiance of convention.
Her profound impact continues to be recognized. In October 1997, she was honored among thousands of other women at the newly dedicated Women in Military Service for America Memorial. A Liberty ship, the SS Mary Walker, was named in her honor during World War II, and in 1982, the U.S. Postal Service issued a 20-cent stamp bearing her likeness. Medical facilities and military centers bear her name, including a U.S. Army Reserve center in Walker, Michigan, and the Whitman-Walker Clinic in Washington, D.C., ensuring that the legacy of this extraordinary woman endures as a beacon of courage, perseverance, and reform.
