She Went to the Field: Women Soldiers of the Civil War tells the little-known, true stories of the brave women who boldly challenged gender boundaries during The War Between the States. Whether disguising themselves as male soldiers or participating in related military capacities as spies, nurses, and vivandieres, these heroic women deserve to be recognized both for their contributions to the war and to women's rights.

 

Written in an engaging style, this book draws the reader into what has been, until recently, a mere side note in Civil War history. From Frances Clayton (aka Frances Clalin), who fought for the Union in eighteen battles and was wounded three times, to Sarah Edmonds (aka Private Frank Thompson, Union), who released a memoir detailing her adventures before the war even ended, these women patriots and their sisters played a vital - and often overlooked - role on the battlefield and behind the scenes.