Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero

When Frank Thompson sees a poster requesting recruits for the new Union army, he is ready and willing to enlist. Except Frank isn’t his real name. In fact, Frank isn’t a man—he is really Sarah Emma Edmonds.

At only nineteen years old, Sarah had already been dressing as a man for three years and living on the run in order to escape an arranged marriage. She had tasted freedom, and there was no going back.

Eager to fight for the North during the Civil War, Sarah joins a Michigan infantry regiment. She excels as a soldier, and she even takes on the grueling task of nursing the wounded. Because of her heroism, she is asked to become a spy, cross
enemy lines, and infiltrate a Confederate camp. For her first mission, Sarah must once again disguise herself and rely on the kindness of slaves to help her do her job.

This incredible, true story of a brave young woman who makes an unlikely choice to fight for her country is one that should not be lost to history.