Sara’s War
One of Michigan’s most celebrated historical figures is Sarah Emma Edmonds Seelye. Sarah’s courageous story begins with her desire to help the Union cause in the Civil War. This desire led her to disguise herself as Private Franklin Thompson and to serve in the Second Michigan Infantry. The Archives of Michigan holds two of the most famous images of Sarah, a carte de visite of herself and one of her as Private Franklin Thompson. The Archives also maintains written correspondence from Sarah to the State Adjutant General requesting recognition for her service in the Second Infantry. The Library of Michigan’s collection includes the book “Nurse Spy” by Elizabeth D. Leonard and “She Rode with Generals” by Sylvia G.L. Dannett. The Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University also holds some of Sara’s correspondence. Sarah’s story is one of several interesting women’s stories found in the Archives of Michigan.
Please review our circular/pathfinder on women’s records or search the online collection catalog.
Researchers may also want to visit the National Women’s History Month website.
Yamasaki remains an important part of our international architectural heritage. This is part one of a two part blog on Yamasaki and his life as written by guest blogger Dale Allen Gyure, Ph.D.
