Did you know there are over two hundred documented cases of women who dressed as men to fight in the Civil War? Although not widely recognized, this fact reveals a fascinating and often ignored aspect of American history. These women, driven by a sense of duty, adventure, and the desire for equality, took on male identities to serve their country in one of its most tumultuous times. This article delves into their courageous stories, their motivations, and the lasting impact they left on the pages of history. I based my novel Gettysburg by Morning on biographies, documentaries, and diaries from these courageous women. The Enlistment At the onset of the Civil War in 1861, slavery divided the United States. The Union and the Confederacy called upon their citizens to take up arms, and thousands of men answered. However, given the times, women found no place to serve. My character, Eloise Jacobson, took her brother's identity to uphold her family's honor. She was discouraged by ...
