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A pivotal turning point for the United States, the American Civil War provides us with lingering images of extreme violence. With brothers battling side by side and against each other, fathers and sons battling each other in a bout of mortal combat that would shape our nation and define some of the most memorable characters in American history and folklore it easy to over look the role of the brave women of the era. Of the number of famous visually stunning artist renditions and authors recounting of the events it is quite rare to hear the story of women, but make no mistake... the woman was prevalent in the Civil War in more ways than many may be aware of.

For the most part, most view the role of women during the civil war as nurses, tailors and in many cases we picture the southern belle. While all of these images are accurate at some level history often times neglects to inform of us of the key roles that women played in the battles themselves. While it is true that women played a significant role in medicine during the time, mainly serving as nurses and care takers, it is also true that women served as war fighters themselves. There are documented, and rumored, cases where young women would disguise their appearance and masquerade as a male soldier in order to stand and fight for what they believed in. The most famous example of this is Emily... Emily was a member of the Michigan drum core regiment who was mortally wounded during battle, while her role in the war fighting efforts remains a bit fuzzy it is clear that she fooled the military by disguising her sex. It was only on her death bed in a telegram to her father that she would indirectly reveal her sex by including the word "daughter" in her dictation.

Do not be fooled into believing that the only role women played in medicine was the nurse, women were often times engaged in activities that would no doubt classify as a full fledged doctor. The most prolific example of bravery and a medical professional is Dr Mary Walker. For her bravery and medical expertise she was awarded the Medal of Honor by Andrew Jackson. She put herself in harms way multiple times to patch wounded soldiers, she cared for the sick, she mended the wounded and she no doubt was the last caring soul that many would see in their dying moments. As if her exemplary behavior were not enough, she also spent four months in a prison camp... only to be later released and sent home.

The most exciting and key role that women often played was

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