Back in Time Today
In the vast tapestry of American history, countless heroes have emerged, their stories often overshadowed by more famous figures. Yet, their contributions have shaped the nation in profound ways, deserving recognition and celebration.
From trailblazing pioneers to silent champions of justice, these unsung heroes merit a day of remembrance. This blog post shines a light on 19 such individuals, whose courage, innovation, and tenacity warrant a holiday of their own.
Journey with us as we uncover the stories of these remarkable people, each leaving an indelible mark on the American narrative.
1. Sybil Ludington
Sybil Ludington was only 16 when she embarked on a daring midnight ride to alert American colonial forces of an impending British attack. On April 26, 1777, she rode alone across 40 miles in the dark, rallying troops to defend Danbury,
Connecticut. Despite the perilous journey through stormy weather, her bravery ensured the militia was prepared.
Often compared to Paul Revere, Ludington’s ride was longer and arguably more challenging. Her courage and determination demonstrated the critical role women played in the American Revolution. It’s high time her heroics earn her a dedicated day of remembrance.
2. Robert Smalls
Robert Smalls, a former enslaved African American, commandeered a Confederate ship, the CSS Planter, and sailed it to freedom in 1862. Displaying remarkable bravery and nautical skills, he navigated past Confederate checkpoints, delivering the ship to Union forces.
Smalls’ bold escape brought him national fame, and he later served as a Union captain and a congressman. His courageous act was a significant blow to the Confederacy and a beacon of hope for enslaved people.
Celebrating Smalls would honor his legacy as a hero who fought for freedom and equality in a divided nation.
3. Lozen
Lozen, a skilled warrior and shaman of the Chiricahua Apache, played a pivotal role in Native American resistance against U.S. expansion in the 19th century.
Known as a “shield to her people,” she was a close ally of Geronimo and instrumental in several escapes from the U.S. Army.
Her strategic mind and spiritual guidance were invaluable during conflicts. Lozen’s story reflects the strength and resilience of Native American women, warriors who fought valiantly to protect their way of life.
Honoring her with a holiday would acknowledge her contributions and the struggles of her people.
4. Mary Edwards Walker
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a pioneering surgeon and women’s rights advocate, shattered 19th-century gender norms by serving as a contract surgeon during the Civil War.
The only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor, Walker’s contributions extended beyond medicine.
She tirelessly campaigned for women’s suffrage and dress reform, challenging societal standards. Her courage in both battlefield and social reform deserves recognition.
Dr. Walker’s legacy is a testament to her relentless pursuit of equality and her unwavering commitment to advancing women’s rights in an era resistant to change.
5. Bass Reeves
Bass Reeves, born into slavery, became one of the first black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River. Revered for his sharpshooting skills and integrity, Reeves captured over 3,000 criminals during his tenure, never compromising his principles.
His incredible life inspired the legend of the Lone Ranger. Reeves’ story highlights the vital roles African Americans played in taming the lawless West.
A holiday honoring Bass Reeves would celebrate his legacy as a lawman who enforced justice with honor and courage in a rapidly changing America.
6. Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license, soared beyond racial and gender barriers in the early 20th century.
Unable to find an aviation school in the U.S. due to discrimination, she learned French and moved to France to earn her license in 1921.
Coleman’s daring stunts and aviation shows captivated audiences, inspiring future generations of pilots. Her tenacity in pursuing her dreams exemplified resilience in the face of adversity.
A holiday in her honor would celebrate her trailblazing achievements and inspire others to reach for the skies.
7. Oney Judge
Oney Judge was an enslaved woman who courageously escaped from President George Washington’s household in 1796. Her bold bid for freedom led her to New Hampshire, where she successfully evaded capture despite Washington’s attempts to reclaim her.
Judge’s story is a powerful testament to the pursuit of freedom and the human spirit’s resilience. Her refusal to return to slavery, even when offered comfort, underscores the value of liberty.
Celebrating Oney Judge would honor her courage and the countless others who struggled against the bonds of slavery.
8. Ira Hayes
Ira Hayes, a Pima Native American and a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, became an iconic figure from the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. He was one of the six men immortalized in the famous photograph of the flag raising.
Despite his fame, Hayes battled with the challenges of being a war hero and the racial discrimination faced by Native Americans. His life encapsulates the complex legacy of veterans of war.
A holiday in his honor would recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Native American soldiers throughout history.
9. Clara Barton
Clara Barton, known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” founded the American Red Cross in 1881. During the Civil War, her tireless efforts to care for the wounded and the sick on the frontlines earned her the respect and admiration of soldiers.
Barton’s dedication extended beyond battlefields as she worked to reconnect missing soldiers with their families.
Her legacy of humanitarian service continues to inspire, and a holiday in her honor would celebrate her compassion and pioneering spirit in aiding those in need.
10. Benjamin Lay
Benjamin Lay, a radical Quaker abolitionist in the 18th century, was a fierce advocate against slavery. His unconventional methods, including public demonstrations and writings, challenged societal norms and called for immediate emancipation.
Despite his stature, Lay’s voice resonated powerfully, influencing the abolitionist movement. His unwavering dedication to justice and equality laid the groundwork for future reforms.
Honoring Benjamin Lay would acknowledge the early voices that championed human rights and paved the way for a more equitable society.
11. Hiram Revels
Hiram Revels, the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress, represented Mississippi during Reconstruction. His election in 1870 marked a significant milestone in American history, symbolizing progress in the struggle for racial equality.
Revels focused on education and civil rights, advocating for the integration of schools and equal opportunities. His tenure in Congress was brief but impactful, highlighting the potential for change in a post-Civil War nation.
A holiday commemorating Hiram Revels would celebrate his pioneering role in American politics and the ongoing fight for equality.
12. Annie Jump Cannon
Annie Jump Cannon, an astronomer, revolutionized the classification of stars in the early 20th century. Her system, which is still used today, enabled astronomers to better understand the universe.
Despite facing gender discrimination, Cannon’s dedication to her craft earned her a prominent place in scientific history. She cataloged over 350,000 stars, paving the way for future female scientists.
Honoring Cannon would celebrate her contributions to astronomy and her role as a trailblazer for women in science, inspiring generations to explore the cosmos.
13. Zitkála-Šá
Zitkála-Šá, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a pioneering writer, editor, and political activist. A member of the Yankton Sioux, she advocated for Native American rights and cultural preservation.
Through her writings and lectures, she brought attention to the injustices faced by Native Americans. Her autobiography remains a poignant reflection of her struggle to balance cultural identity with assimilation pressures.
Honoring Zitkála-Šá with a holiday would recognize her contributions to civil rights and her enduring legacy as a voice for Indigenous peoples.
14. Fred Korematsu
Fred Korematsu was a Japanese American civil rights activist who challenged the U.S. government’s internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Arrested for refusing to relocate, Korematsu’s legal battle reached the Supreme Court.
Though he lost the case in 1944, his conviction was later overturned, symbolizing a victory for civil liberties. Korematsu’s courage to stand against injustice highlights the importance of protecting individual rights.
A holiday in his honor would commemorate his fight for justice and remind us of the need for vigilance in safeguarding freedoms.
15. Crispus Attucks
Crispus Attucks is remembered as the first casualty of the Boston Massacre in 1770, becoming a martyr for American independence.
As a man of African and Native American descent, his death highlighted the diverse contributions to the struggle against British oppression.
Attucks’ legacy is a powerful symbol of resistance and unity in the fight for freedom. Honoring him with a holiday would celebrate the sacrifices made by individuals from all backgrounds in the pursuit of liberty and justice.
16. Harriet Jacobs
Harriet Jacobs, an escaped slave, authored “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” one of the first autobiographies to highlight the female experience under slavery. Her narrative exposed the brutal realities of bondage and the resilience required to overcome it.
Jacobs’ courage in sharing her story provided a voice for countless others who suffered in silence. Her work remains a crucial part of American literature and history.
Celebrating Harriet Jacobs would honor her contributions to the abolitionist movement and her enduring influence on subsequent generations.
17. Tecumseh
Tecumseh was a Shawnee chief and visionary leader who sought to unite Native American tribes against U.S. expansion in the early 19th century. His eloquence and strategic prowess rallied many to his cause, resisting encroachment on their lands.
Tecumseh’s efforts to forge a pan-tribal confederacy represented a significant stand in defense of Indigenous sovereignty.
Though his movement ultimately failed, his legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and unity. Honoring Tecumseh with a holiday would recognize his leadership and the enduring spirit of Native American resistance.
18. James Armistead
James Armistead, an enslaved African American, served as a double agent during the American Revolutionary War. His espionage work provided crucial intelligence that contributed to the American victory at Yorktown.
After the war, Armistead was granted freedom for his service, adopting the surname Lafayette in honor of the French general. His bravery and cunning were instrumental in securing American independence.
A holiday honoring James Armistead would celebrate his pivotal role in history and the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s founding.
19. Elizabeth Peratrovich
Elizabeth Peratrovich, a Tlingit civil rights activist, played a crucial role in the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 in Alaska. Her eloquent testimony before the Alaskan legislature helped end legal segregation in the territory.
Peratrovich’s efforts laid the foundation for future civil rights advancements, championing equality for Alaska Natives.
Her legacy is a testament to the power of advocacy and the fight against discrimination. Celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich would honor her contributions to civil rights and her enduring impact on social justice.