Flash Forward-Molly Pitcher: Fact or Fiction?

The colonists are just starting to think about becoming independent. Next week we will learn about the other factors that led to the Revolution. Let’s flash forward to look at Molly Pitcher. People debate whether Molly Pitcher was one woman or several women.  Most people agree that the story of Molly Pitcher is folklore and that her story is about several women.

At least two famous women inspired the legend of Molly Pitcher. Their names are Mary Hays and Margaret Corbin. Their stories are much alike.  They both had the nickname Molly and they both went to battle with their husbands. Their husbands both shot cannons in battle. Lastly, both women helped by carrying pitchers of water for the cannons. This explains the nickname of Molly Pitcher.

Mary Hays’ husband was hurt during the Battle of Monmouth. Mary was working on the battlefield when he was hurt.  She had been watching him all along so she knew how to load the cannons. She took over her husband’s post and fought in his place for the rest of the day. Reports say that an enemy cannon was shot and blew apart her skirt. She was not hurt and kept on working behind the cannon. What a brave woman!

Flash Forward-Molly Pitcher: Fact or Fiction? Both of these “Molly Pitchers” were heroes. They were very brave during battle and fought alongside men.  We can’t be sure exactly who the real Molly Pitcher was, but she sure inspired people on the battlefield, just as she inspires us now!

Margaret Corbin’s husband was killed during the Battle of Washington. After he died, Margaret jumped right in and fired the cannon for him.  She stayed in the military and became the first woman to receive a military pension. She was a leader before her time!