Most people remember Clara Barton as the founder of the American Red Cross and an independent Civil War nurse. During the war she maintained a home in Washington, DC, but traveled with the Union Army, providing care and relief services to the wounded on many battlefields.
At Antietam Barton brought up her three army wagons loaded with bandages and other medical supplies. and organized able-bodied men to perform first aid, carry water and prepare food for the wounded. While the battle raged, she and her helpers brought relief and hope to soldiers on the field.
George B. McClellan was the commander of the Army of the Potomac at Antietam. Robert E. Lee commanded the Army of Northern Virginia at Antietam.
She died on April 12, 1912, at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland, and was buried in the Barton family cemetery plot in Oxford, Massachusetts.
Clara Barton is an enduring symbol of humanitarianism for her work during the American Civil War, where she played a fundamental role in distributing much needed provisions and medical supplies to the Union Army. She was also renowned as an educator, nurse and a founder of the American Red Cross.
Upon her arrival, the surgeon on duty commented: “I thought that night if heaven ever sent out an … angel, she must be one – her assistance was so timely.” This led to Barton gaining the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield.”
Her presence—and the supplies she brought with her in three army wagons—was particularly welcome at the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg) where overworked surgeons were trying to make bandages out of corn husks. Barton organized able-bodied men to perform first aid, carry water, and prepare food for the wounded.
On the morning of the day she died, Barton's last words were “Let me go! Let me go!”
10 Ways You Can Be an Angel Use kind words to spread positivity. Forgive someone who has wronged you. Thank the people who make your life better. Give the gift of patience. Pay it forward. Pray on behalf of others. Be a helping hand to others in need. Put a surprise in your friend's in-box.
We do not become angels when we die. Humans are one kind of God's creation, and angels are another. To say we become angels is to say we stop being humans. Send the gift of the Bible this season.