Mary Edwards Walker (1832–1919) was an American surgeon, abolitionist, and women’s rights activist who made significant contributions to medicine and social reform during the 19th century. Born in Oswego, New York, Walker became one of the first female physicians in the United States, graduating from Syracuse Medical College in 1855.

During the Civil War, Walker volunteered as a surgeon for the Union Army, becoming the first woman to serve as a military surgeon in American history. She faced numerous challenges and discrimination due to her gender but persisted in her medical duties, often braving dangerous conditions to provide care to wounded soldiers.

In recognition of her service, Walker was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the only woman to receive the nation’s highest military decoration. Throughout her life, she continued to advocate for women’s rights, dress reform, and social equality, leaving a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in both medicine and activism.

Mary Edwards Walker Quotes

1. “You must come to terms with the reality that nothing outside ourselves, be it people or things is actually responsible for our happiness.”
— Mary Edwards Walker

2. “Let the generations know that women in uniform also guaranteed their freedom.”
— Mary Edwards Walker

3. “Let the generations know that women in uniform also guaranteed their freedom.”
— Mary Edwards Walker

4. “I fired the ball for the purpose of giving those dudes to understand upon what ground I stood, believing that those of this class who believe that there are no women capable of taking care of themselves when young, would inform their friends that they might be in danger of their lives if they approached me.”
— Mary Edwards Walker

5. “If it is right to be legally married, it is right to be legally divorced … To be deprived of a Divorce is like being shut up in prison because someone attempted to kill you. It is just as honorable to get out of matrimonial trouble legally, as to be freed from any other wrong.”
— Mary Edwards Walker

6. “A woman reasons by telegraph, and his [a man’s] stage-coach reasoning cannot keep pace with hers.”
— Mary Edwards Walker