Margaret Corbin

Biography

Margaret Corbin was born in 1751 and became one of the earliest recognized female military veterans in American history. During the Revolutionary War, she accompanied her husband into battle and, after his death, took his place at a cannon, earning the respect and gratitude of her fellow soldiers.

Corbin's extraordinary courage and sacrifice were recognized by the Continental Congress, which granted her a pension—a rare honor for a woman of her era. She died in 1800 and was buried at West Point Cemetery, where her grave stands as a testament to her remarkable service and the often-overlooked contributions of women to American independence.