Both sides in the Civil War banned women from military service, but about 400 women disguised themselves as men, enlisted in the Union and Confederate armies, and fought fiercely in battle.

Using archives, news reports, soldiers’ letters and dairies, Deanne Blanton and Lauren Cook have documented 250 of these female combatants in “They Fought Like Demons: Women Soldiers in the Civil War.”

These 19th century women who masqueraded as men enlisted to fight for a patriotic cause, to follow their husbands and lovers into combat, or for excitement and adventure. With few jobs open to women, many joined the Union army to collect the tri-monthly pay of $39. Sarah Wakeman, alias Pvt. Lyons Wakeman, joined New York’s 153rd Regiment for the pay. She proudly wrote home, “I got 100 and 52 dollars. I can get all the money I want.”

Military archives reveal that most were urban working-class or farm laborers. A few Confederate recruits were from affluent families. Immigrant women as well as former female slaves enlisted. Maria Lewis, an African American woman, joined the 8th New York Calvary, passing as a white man.

Since both armies were desperate for recruits, women found it easy to enlist. The physical examination simply checked a recruit for enough teeth to tear cartridges, and a thumb and a trigger finger.

And living among male troops presented even less occasion for discovery: Soldiers slept in their uniforms, seldom bathed, and avoided the foul-smelling latrines by using the woods. How female soldiers managed the personal hygiene of their monthly cycles in crowded barracks is unknown.

Sharpshooters, scouts
On the battlefield, the women soldiers served as teamsters, sharpshooters or scouts and performed as capably as men. Loreta Velazquez, alias Lt. Harry Buford, led her infantry unit to victory.

Military statistics record that 14% of female soldiers earned promotions, compared to 10% of male soldiers. At least two women made major, and one won a promotion to lieutenant shortly before she gave birth in camp.

Only wounds, illness or death in battle — when doctors removed soldiers’ uniforms — exposed their identity as women. If the discovered female was alive, her commanding officer decided her fate. He either ejected her or reassigned her as a nurse, cook or laundress. A few officers were known to have suppressed the discovery and allowed the woman to remain with the troops disguised as a male soldier. Male soldiers generally expressed support and acceptance for their female comrades when they were exposed.

By 1863, the Confederacy’s manpower was nearly depleted and southern women could enlist without male disguise. At the end of the war, many Union women soldiers had completed the entire terms of their enlistment. They were welcomed home and hailed as “heroes.” A few women who served as soldiers were granted pensions.

In post-war America, these brave women who fought like demons had to re-enter civilian life as second-class citizens. Some continued to live disguised as men for better employment and for freedom from the constraints of “woman’s place.” Their war efforts still challenge long-held assumptions about gender roles.

For additional reading on Civil War women soldiers, you may enjoy the adventures of Loreta Velazquez in “A Woman In Battle” and the letters of Sarah Wakeman in “An Uncommon Soldier.” These books are available at the Education Fund Library, Room 201 at DC 37.

— Susan Bailey
DC 37 Education Fund