History Resources

Inside the Vault: Honoring America’s First Woman Veteran: The Revolutionary War Service of Margaret Corbin

by Gilder Lehrman Institute Staff

Celebrate Veterans Day and learn about the Revolutionary War service of Margaret “Molly” Corbin! On November 2, 2023, our curators discussed Corbin’s life and legacy with Dr. Holly Mayer of Duquesne University. Margaret “Molly” Corbin fought alongside her husband in an artillery regiment during the American Revolution. In recognition of her service, Congress awarded Corbin a pension and rations for life. She was the first woman to receive a military pension and to be recognized as a veteran in the United States. 

View slides from the presentation here.

FEATURED DOCUMENTS

USE THE TIMESTAMPS BELOW TO JUMP TO THE TOPIC YOU WANT TO VIEW

  • 1:35–2:50: Today’s documents
  • 2:51–6:28: The Women of ’76
  • 6:29–9:58: The Heroine of Monmouth
  • 9:59–14:39: The Battle of Fort Washington
  • 14:40–25:47: Revolutionary War Artillery
  • 25:48–29:47: After the Battle of Fort Washington
  • 29:48–31:18: Invalid Corps
  • 31:19–32:42: West Point
  • 32:43–34:26: Tench Tilghman to Samuel Shaw, September 9, 1782
  • 34:27–36:56: Samuel Shaw to Tench Tilghman, September 10, 1782
  • 36:57–37:43: Tench Tilghman to Samuel Shaw, September 11, 1782
  • 37:44–58:49: “Order to the Commissary for the arrearage of provisions due to Mrs. Corbin of the Invalids”

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