National Women's History Museum Spies Exhibition

Military and civilian officials routinely recruited supportive frontier residents who were familiar with a particular region and its inhabitants. Of special interest to commanders from both armies were the different native tribes that camped on or hunted throughout a potential battle venue. Left behind on the home front to manage families and farms, female settlers with a working knowledge of local tribal dialects and customs were eagerly sought as translators and guides. Adding to their appeal: these hardy women were already accustomed to the demanding and primitive living conditions that came to characterize military campaigns.

Anne Bailey
Photo Credit: American Revolution

Anne Bailey (1742-1825)

Frontier scout and courier.
Most known for a 1791, 100-mile ride from Fort Lee to Fort Savannah to save what today is known as Charleston, West Virginia, from an assault by Native Americans.

Sacagawea (c. 1787 – 1812)

Served as a scout and guide for the Lewis and Clark reconnaissance mission secretly ordered by Thomas Jefferson.
With her newborn son in tow, helped lead the explorers across territory comprising the Louisiana Purchase to the northern Pacific coast.
Introduced members of expedition to naturally available vegetation that greatly enhanced their diets.
Acted as a translator between native tribes.
Managed to save much of the intelligence gathered during the mission from loss when the boat in which they were traveling capsized, depositing the explorers’ journals in a river.

Sacagawea
Photo Credit:U.S. Department of State
Click on image for larger view

As past and ongoing research underscores, women from all backgrounds and convictions played a critical role in the conduct and outcome of the American War for Independence.

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