HealthcareCivil Rights
A legendary life
Clara Barton
Clarissa Harlowe Barton
1821 – 1912
Pioneering nurse, humanitarian, educator, and founder of the American Red Cross.
Her story
A life that changed history
Clara Barton provided self-taught nursing care during the American Civil War and became known for bringing supplies and aid directly to wounded soldiers. She later founded the American Red Cross and pursued humanitarian and civil rights work decades before women could vote.
“I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.”
Statement on her Civil War battlefield service