Molly Pitcher: Heroines of the American Revolution Battlefields

The American Revolution conjures images of courageous soldiers battling for independence. Yet, the war effort also relied heavily on the contributions of women who supported the soldiers and militiamen in camps and often fought in battles. These women collectively became known as "Molly Pitcher," a name that symbolizes the bravery and resilience of women who supported the Continental Army, often under dire conditions.

The Origins of Molly Pitcher

The moniker "Molly Pitcher" is a folklore name that derived from the countless number of women who helped in the Continental Army’s camps in various capacities, known as camp followers. Some of these women were the wives of soldiers who did not want them to go off to war on their own. They cooked meals, mended clothes, nursed the sick, and provided emotional support to the soldiers. These contributions were critical to maintaining morale and ensuring the army's operational capacity.

The name itself came to represent the women who brought water to soldiers on the battlefield. This act was vital, as the water not only quenched the soldiers' thirst but also cooled the overheated cannons. Over time, the term evolved to encompass women who participated directly in combat, either by assisting their husbands or by taking up arms themselves when necessary, usually when their husbands were badly wounded or killed. These women displayed remarkable bravery, often risking their lives in the heat of battle.

Two of the most famous figures associated with the name Molly Pitcher are Mary Ludwig Hays and Margaret Corbin. Their stories of courage and determination highlight the crucial role of women in the fight for American independence.

Mary Ludwig Hays: The Iconic Molly Pitcher

Mary Ludwig Hays, born in 1754 in New Jersey, is one of the most renowned women associated with the Molly Pitcher legend. She married William Hays, a barber who enlisted in Proctor's 4th Pennsylvania Artillery of the Continental Army in 1777. Mary followed her husband to Valley Forge that winter, where she took on the role of a camp follower while William trained under Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. Her duties included cooking, washing, and nursing the soldiers.

Hays' most famous act of heroism occurred during the Battle of Monmouth (fought at modern-day Freehold Borough, New Jersey) on June 28, 1778. On this scorching summer day, Mary tirelessly carried water to the soldiers and artillerymen, earning her the nickname "Molly Pitcher." She found a nearby spring to serve as her supply, which is now named “Molly Pitcher Spring.”

According to legend, when her husband collapsed, either from heat exhaustion or injury, Mary took his place at the cannon. Despite the chaos around her, she continued to fire the cannon, contributing significantly to the American effort. Her bravery did not go unnoticed; General George Washington is said to have commended her for her courageous actions and issued her a warrant as a noncommissioned officer. She became known as “Sergeant Molly” for the rest of her life.

Painting depicting Mary Ludwig Hays manning her husband's cannon following his collapse at the Battle of Monmouth.

After the war, Mary Ludwig Hays returned to a quieter life but remained a symbol of patriotism and courage. In recognition of her service, she was later granted a pension by the state of Pennsylvania, an unusual honor for a woman of her time.

Hays passed away in 1832 and was buried in Carlisle, Pennsylvania at the Old Graveyard. The cemetery contains a “Molly Pitcher” statue honoring her under the name “Molly McCauley,” her second husband’s name.

Margaret Corbin: Unyielding Courage in the Face of Loss

Margaret Corbin was born in present-day Franklin County, Pennsylvania, in 1751. Her early life was marked by tragedy when, at the age of five, her father was killed, and her mother was kidnapped by American Indians. Margaret and her brother, who managed to escape the attack, were subsequently raised by their uncle.

In 1772, at the age of 21, Margaret married John Corbin, a Virginia farmer. When the American Revolutionary War broke out, John enlisted as a matross (artilleryman) in the First Company of Pennsylvania Artillery. Margaret, who was a nurse, was too anxious to let her husband go to war alone and became a camp follower. Like many other wives, she helped with washing, cooking, and caring for wounded soldiers.

On November 16, 1776, Fort Washington, located in northern Manhattan, came under attack by a force of 4,000 Hessian soldiers under British command. John was manning one of two cannons at the fort. During the intense battle, John was killed, leaving his cannon unmanned. Margaret, who had learned to operate the cannon, took over and began loading and firing it at the advancing Hessians. Her bravery and skill were remarkable, but she was severely wounded in the arm, chest, and jaw.

Painting depicting Margaret Corbin manning her husband’s cannon after he was killed at the Battle of Fort Washington.

Despite her injuries, Margaret's actions left a lasting impact. The Americans ultimately surrendered to the Hessians, and Margaret, along with other survivors, was taken prisoner. Recognizing her as a wounded soldier, the British released her on parole.

Margaret moved to Philadelphia but found life difficult as she was completely disabled from her wounds. In recognition of her bravery and suffering, Congress authorized her to receive half her husband’s pay in 1779, making her the first woman to earn a military pension. She was enlisted in the Corps of Invalids, a unit created for wounded soldiers, and was stationed at the garrison at West Point, New York.

Margaret was discharged from the army in 1783 but continued to receive financial support for her combat injuries until her death in 1800. Her story, though less well-known than that of Mary Ludwig Hays, highlights the courage and sacrifices of women who contributed significantly to the American Revolution.

The Legacy of Molly Pitcher

The stories of Mary Ludwig Hays and Margaret Corbin highlight the critical role women played during the American Revolution. These women not only supported the troops through traditional roles but also took up arms when necessary, displaying exceptional bravery and resilience. Their contributions were crucial to the war effort, serving as powerful symbols of courage and patriotism in the fight for independence.

Hays and Corbin have been commemorated in various ways, with monuments and memorials standing in their honor, and their stories being taught in American history. These stories remind us of the indispensable roles everyone played in achieving American independence and must continue to be passed down through generations.

The legacy of Molly Pitcher serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of all Americans in the fight for freedom. These early patriots left us a legacy to honor and carry forward, showcasing the unwavering spirit and dedication required to build and sustain a nation. Their bravery inspires us to recognize and appreciate the diverse contributions that have shaped the United States, ensuring that the spirit of determination and patriotism continues to thrive.

The Mary Ludwig Hays Statue at the Old Graveyard Cemetery, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Mary Corbin Memorial in the West Point Cemetery.