In the latest episode of the A New York Minute in History podcast, Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts tell the story of Dr. Mary Walker: physician, heroine of the Civil War, and the only woman in history ever to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Born to progressive parents in Western New York, Walker would defy the odds to become a surgeon, spy for the Union Army during the Civil War, and go toe-to-toe with prominent suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Walker is buried in the Oswego Rural Cemetery in the town of Oswego, Oswego County, NY, near where she was born.
Guests include Dr. Theresa Kaminski, author of Dr. Mary Walker’s Civil War (Lyons Press, 2020); and George DeMass, Oswego Town Historian.
You can listen to the podcast here.
A New York Minute In History is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio, the New York State Museum, and Archivist Media, with support from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. This episode was produced by Jesse King, with help from intern Elizabeth Urbanczyk. Their musical theme is “Begrudge” by Darby.
Photo: Dr. Mary Walker with her Medal of Honor, photographed by C. M. Bell.
Listen to more New York Almanack podcasts HERE.
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