How these bases support American power and global influence
Abigail Adams left us numerous letters, which offer an insight into those defining years of American history.
Adams is known to have corresponded with virtually all Founding Fathers. She went on to marry John Adams, becoming First Lady and his close advisor.
She would became First Lady of New York, and went on to work as a hostess and a member of George Washington's administration. Sarah Livingston Jay is often said to have had a prominent role in the Treaty of Alliance with France and the Jay Treaty with Great Britain.
Martha Washington was a widow and had two children when she married George Washington. Though she was not fully supportive of the move, Martha did become heavily involved when her husband became president, and indeed she became the first First Lady of the United States.
As Hamilton's wife, she went on to help influence the development of the Constitution and the formation of the federal government.
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton was married to Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, who served as a member of staff in George Washington’s Continental Army.
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton also helped write her husband’s contributions to the 'Federalist Papers,' which were a collection of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution.
The daughter of William Livingston (one of the men who signed the Constitution ) and the wife of Founding Father John Jay, Sarah Livingston Jay played a key role in diplomatic relations.
Not only did Abigail Adams marry a president, she also became the mother of one: John Quincy Adams,
Madison was the only First Lady in the country's history to be conceded an honorary seat in the House of Representatives.
Mary Norris Dickinson, being a Quaker and believing that men and women are equal in the eyes of God, would engage in political discussions where usually women would not participate. She was also known for owning one of the largest libraries in the colonies.
Martha Washington is an important figure in American history and a cherished Founding Mother. “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances,” said Martha Washington.
The Association raised a lot of money, and managed to make over 2,200 shirts for the troops. Unfortunately, Reed died before she could see the fruits of her project, which was then taken over by Benjamin Franklin's daughter, Sarah Franklin Bache.
Dolley Madison went on to marry James Madison, the fourth US president. She continued to actively participate in the political sphere as a First Lady.
Mary Norris Dickinson was married to one of the Founding Fathers, John Dickinson (pictured).
Warren issued a pamphlet opposing the ratification of the Constitution and called for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights. She continued to correspond and in some cases work as an advisor to many political figures, including John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and George Washington, to name a few.
Lucy Flucker Knox is best known for being the wife of Henry Knox (pictured), who served as an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Knox came from a Loyalist family, so she didn't receive any support in her decision to marry a Patriot. She did so anyway, and the couple had 13 children (though only three survived). Lucy Flucker Knox went on to fully support the Patriot’s cause.
Sources: (Women's Museum of California) (TopTenz) (WorldStrides) (ThoughtCo.)
Mercy Otis Warren strongly supported the Patriotic cause in Boston. She is known to have corresponded with numerous Revolutionary leaders, and even served as hostess to their meetings in the city. Warren was also a poet and playwright, and she's particularly known for her political writing.
Not only was Goddard one of the first female American publishers, later on she went on to become the postmaster of the Baltimore Post Office.
Reed formed the Ladies Association of Philadelphia, a political activist group that raised money for George Washington's Continental Army.
But Mary Katharine Goddard is best known for being the second printer to print the Declaration of Independence. Her print became known as the Goddard Broadside.
Goddard worked with her brother William Goddard (pictured) in a number of newspapers, and in 1774 she took over publication of the Maryland Journal. The newspaper is known to have supported the Patriots.
Betsy Ross went down in history as the woman who made the first American flag, which is also known as the Betsy Ross flag.
Before that, Ross provided the Continental Army with a number of items via her upholstery business, including tents and blankets.
Wheatley was kidnapped from West Africa when she was seven and brought to Massachusetts in 1761, where she was raised by the Wheatley family.
Not only was Phillis Wheatley the first published African-American poet, but she was also a supporter of American Independence. Wheatley even wrote a poem in honor of General Washington (before he became president).
Sampson disguised herself as a man and fought in the American Revolution under the name Robert Shurtlieff.
Hays, also known as Molly Pitcher, is best known for loading a cannon at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. General Washington awarded Hays a warrant as a non-commissioned officer. From then on, she was known as Sergeant Molly.
Dolley Madison also became known for ensuring the safety of Gilbert Stuart's 'Lansdowne portrait' (pictured) of George Washington when the British set fire to the White House in 1814.
Dolley Madison worked as a White House hostess during Thomas Jefferson's administration. She was in charge of state dinners and other functions, and even helped furnish the White House.
Sampson (right) fought for 17 months, until her real identity was discovered when she required medical treatment.
When we think about early American history and the birth of the United States, the Founding Fathers come to mind. But what about the women who played prominent roles during and after the Revolutionary War? In this gallery, you'll learn all about them.
Browse through and discover who the Founding Mothers of the United States are.
Who are the Founding Mothers of the United States?
These women shaped American history
LIFESTYLE American history
When we think about early American history and the birth of the United States, the Founding Fathers come to mind. But what about the women who played prominent roles during and after the Revolutionary War? In this gallery, you'll learn all about them.
Browse through and discover who the Founding Mothers of the United States are.