Mary Edwards Walker

Mary Edwards Walker was a pioneering American physician and women's rights advocate, born in 1832. She is notable for serving as a contract surgeon for the Union Army during the Civil War, making her one of the few women to hold such a position. Known for her distinctive dress, she often wore pants instead of traditional women's clothing, challenging societal norms. After the war, she became an outspoken advocate for women's suffrage and reform. In 1865, she received the Medal of Honor for her service, making her the only woman to have ever received this military honor. Walker remains an iconic figure in women's history.