Irish Heritage and Women’s Month

March is Irish Heritage Month, but it is also Women’s Month. During this year, as we celebrate the Semi quincentennial of the United States, let us remember women of Irish Heritage that contributed during the American Revolution.

During the American Revolution, women played vital roles in sustaining the cause of liberty.  Among them, the Irish-born and Irish-descended women stood out for their resilience, faith, and loyalty to the ideals of independence. Many women kept the home front secure through domestic labor and sacrifice.

Other Irish-born and Irish American women followed the Continental Army as nurses, cooks, seamstresses, and caregivers, often called “camp followers.” These women endured the same hardships as soldiers. Their courage and patriotism were equal to any soldier’s.

George Washington, as Commander-in-Chief, recognized and deeply respected the contributions of women to the Revolutionary effort and even encouraged their presence, understanding that their work was essential to the morale and survival of the soldiers. At Valley Forge (1777–1778), Irish-American women were among those who tended the sick and dying. Washington praised these women for their “service to the cause of liberty and humanity,” acknowledging that without their help, many soldiers would not have survived the winter.

Washington admired his soldiers and officers of Irish origin, acknowledging their bravery and devotion. The same spirit of service extended to Irish women, who supported the patriot cause both at home and on the battlefield. Washington’s army was sustained in part by the strength, industry, and patriotism of these women.

Some examples of the Irish and Irish-American women who demonstrated their bravery during the American Revolution include Margaret Corbin, Elizabeth and Ann Gilmore, and Elizabeth Jackson. These women demonstrated their bravery on the battlefield as soldiers and nurses.

Margaret Cochran was born in 1751 to Irish emigrants on the frontier of western Pennsylvania. At the age of 21, she married John Corbin. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania Artillery.

Margaret accompanied him to the war. John was killed at the Battle of Fort Washington at his cannon. Margaret took his place until she was seriously wounded. She is the first woman in American history to receive a military pension.

Elizabeth and Ann Gilmore

Elizabeth and Ann Gilmore emigrated from the North of Ireland as teenagers. The Gilmore sisters were nurses at Valley Forge. General Horatio Gates of the Continental Army informed Washington that “the sick suffered much for want of good female nurses.” 

Washington advocated for more nurses and Congress approved one nurse per ten patients and one matron assigned to oversee the care of 100 soldiers. In addition to serving as a nurse, Elizabeth, along with her husband John Berry, were privates in the Continental Army.

Elizabeth Jackson

Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson was born in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. She immigrated to America with her husband and her young sons. Like many immigrants, the Jacksons crossed the Atlantic seeking opportunity.

Shortly after arriving, Elizabeth gave birth to a future President and became a widow. In this new land, she faced hardship raising her sons alone. During the Revolution, she volunteered as a nurse to care for American soldiers held by the British and also encouraged her sons to support the patriot cause.

Andrew Jackson was a teenager captured by British forces and imprisoned. His mother helped with his escape from prison. She had already lost her other sons during the war.

While helping others in service as a nurse, she contacted a disease and died in 1781, leaving the future president alone at the age of fourteen. Her death became a defining moment in his life. Her example of resilience in the face of adversity, loyalty to family, and devotion to freedom were admired by her sole surviving son.

As president, Andrew Jackson embodied many of his mother’s traits. The story of Eliabeth Jackson and her influence on her son is a true Irish American story.

Elizabeth’s life reflects the role that Irish immigrants especially women played in shaping our country. One mother’s life of faith, courage service and sacrifice had an impact on one of our early leaders. 

There are many more women of this time period whose names are unknown but we are indebted to for their contributions. The legacy of these women who served in the American Revolution live on today as women of Irish heritage made a difference in all forms of service to American society.

For more information on the Irish America 250 event please email me at memadigan@gmail.com.