Women in the Chesapeake Region during the War of 1812

Many women played a role in the War of 1812, but only a few left any record of their experiences, mostly in the form of letters and diaries. These surviving accounts are most often those of literate women of the upper and middle classes.

The accounts of soldiers’ wives, farmwives, female servants, enslaved women, free Black women, and Indigenous women are rare. We can only assume that these women managed their families, households, and local affairs while their husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons served in the military defending the nation and the Chesapeake. Some, including the fabled Kitty Knight, encountered the enemy firsthand.

Women at the time of war had limited political and economic rights under the US government. Some women expressed dissatisfaction with limitations in the new nation that claimed to value equality, personal freedom, and opportunity for political and economic advancement among its citizens. Some began to shape new entrepreneurial paths for themselves by working outside the domestic realm to support their families.

 

Hetty Boulden

On April 29, 1813, enslaved 20-year old Hetty Boulden reportedly helped save Elkton, MD from being torched by British troops during the War

Rosalie Stier Calvert

Known as the “Mistress of Riversdale,” Rosalie Stier Calvert witnessed the Battle of Bladensburg.

Mary DeButts

From her residence at Mount Welby, Mary DeButts observed some of the war actions in the Chesapeake.

Lucinda "Lucy" Hall

Enslaved in Southern Maryland, Lucy Hall escaped to the British with her family and resettled in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Kitty Knight

According to local legend, Kitty Knight helped save two private homes in Georgetown, Maryland, from British destruction.

Dolley Madison

Dolley Madison was the first lady during the War of 1812.

Matilda O’Neill

During the War of 1812, 15-year-old Matilda O'Neill reportedly helped to secure the release of her father John O'Neill when he was taken as

Mary Pickersgill

Mary Pickersgill and her team sewed the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the national anthem.

Elizabeth Warner Sands

Elizabeth Warner Sands is known for her efforts tending to wounded soldiers from the Battle of North Point.

Sukey

Sukey was Dolley Madison's enslaved maid who helped save valuables from the White House.

Grace Wisher

Grace Wisher, a young African American indentured servant, is believed to have helped in the creation of the Star-Spangled Banner.