Cathay Williams: Black Women's Secret Soldier

Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Show Notes: To tide you over while Im researching and writing longer episodes I've created a new segment called Black History blitz. Short, bite sized and fun, like any good snack its best when shared with friends, so tell your friends about it. Today's Black history Blitz is about Cathy Williams. The first African American Woman to enlist in the United States Army and the only one we know about who did so posing as a man!! Williams was born in Independence, Missouri September 1844 and lived until 1893 As a teen, Williams worked as a house slave on the outskirts of Jefferson City, Missouri. Despite there being a ban against women serving in the military, Cathay Williams enlisted in the Army under the false name of "William Cathay" on November 15, 1866, passing herself off as a man. She was assigned to the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/38th_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States) (38th United States Infantry Regiment) after she passed a Brief medical examination. She was only discovered when a surgeon treating her for injuries realised she was a woman She was discharged from the Army on October 14, 1868. After having served for nearly 3 years In 2016, a bronze bust of Cathay Williams was unveiled outside the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Allen_Cultural_Center (Richard Allen Cultural Center) in Leavenworth, Kansas Cathy Williams, we salute you!The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project. We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:Membership benefits include:Early access to new episodesBonus episodes and contentBe part of the creation of new episodes Guest membershipsGet featured In Episode End credits Ad Free Episodeshttps://www.patreon.com/BlackhistorybuffJoin my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistoryFind me on Social Mediahttps://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuffBuy me a Coffeehttps://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcastThank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.Stay Blessed,King Kurus, The Black History BuffAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy