The Wisconsin Angel

Throughout history, women have constantly fought for their empowerment, pushing frontiers. We can see this through women like Emmeline Pankhurst, Malala Yousafzai, and many others. Cordelia Harvey should be recognized like these famous activists. She has made great contributions, proving to the world that women could help in times of war.

Healthcare is the major monumental frontier that Cordelia surpassed. At the time of the Civil War, a dangerous disease called malaria infected almost half of the soldiers, so they needed medical help. None were focusing on being sanitary, they were simply trying to get people to recover as soon as possible. Cordelia helped surpass this by focusing on being clean as she believed this was a huge part of healthcare. She and her husband often used to visit soldiers in hospitals and try to help them. Along with being the First Lady of Wisconsin, she also was President of the Madison Ladies Aid Society (raised money, made bandages, clothing, and bed supplies). The Orphans' Home was another show of how Cordelia helped these kids all have a better chance at life. Without Harvey, they might not have had lives like the ones they are living today.