The first Black woman to enlist in the U.S. Army was Cathay Williams.
Who Was Cathay Williams?
- Born in 1844 in Missouri, she was enslaved during her early years.
- During the American Civil War, she disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the U.S. Army under the name “William Cathay” in 1866—becoming the first documented Black woman to serve in the Army.
- She served with the Buffalo Soldiers in the 38th U.S. Infantry Regiment.
- Her true identity was eventually discovered, and she was discharged in 1868.
Why Was This Significant?
- At the time, women were not allowed to serve in the military, making her enlistment an act of bravery and defiance.
- She remains a symbol of resilience and determination for women and African Americans in the military.
