COVE

Molly Pitcher is a nickname given to a woman who fought in the American Revolutionary War. It is rather important to note, as Ushistory.org states, “‘Molly Pitcher’ was not a single historical figure, but composite folk heroes inspired by the actions of different people, most of them women who carried water to troops during the revolution.” These women helped lead the military in ways that many would not typically credit them for. However, if it were not for these women, there would have been an incredible increase in casualties for our people. 

Two real women are typically associated with the legend of Molly Pitcher. One of these remarkable women is Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, who, as the legend goes, was carrying water for the troops at the Battle of Monmouth. However, as she was bringing the water, her husband was wounded. With this newfound knowledge, Mary abandoned the water jugs and began loading the artillery in her husband's place. This legend is most renowned due to Joseph Plumb Martin, who was present at this battle. Within his memoirs, which were discovered in the 1950’s, he speaks of a woman stepping in her husband's shoes after he was injured in battle. The second renowned “Molly Pitcher” was Margaret Corbin. Margaret is said to have gone on the cannon after her husband was killed at Fort Washington. At the battle, she was seriously injured. However, beating all odds, she was able to live until 1800.

Both of these courageous women are real and performed bravely during the revolution. These two tell a story of the lengths that women are willing to go through when they believe that it is worth it. 

Emily Teipe exlaims in her article "Will the Real Molly Pitcher Please Stand Up?", "Molly Pitcher is merely a persona created from numerous sources." While “Molly Pitcher” is ultimately a legend, the legend still stands as a symbol for women of their courage, braveness, and resilience in  times of difficulty.

Works Cited

“Historic Valley Forge: Molly Pitcher.” Ushistory.Org, Independence Hall Association, www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/youasked/070.htm. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Moran, Percy. “[Molly Pitcher Firing Cannon at Battle of Monmouth].” Home, 1 Jan. 1970, loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3g04969/.

Teipe, Emily. “Will the Real Molly Pitcher Please Stand Up?” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, 1999, www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1999/summer/pitcher.html.