In the face of controversy, the courageous Dr. Mary Edwards Walker held her head high as she wore her "American Reform Dress", or the name given to such a provocative man's outfit of the day, "bloomers". Many things had been controversial in Dr. Walker's life. I found that she was a very unique, eccentric, and independent woman, but often became an unwelcomed presence among others. She is most recognized for overcoming issues of the day in the 19th century such as: gender discrimination, suffrage, and the conflict over medical philosophies, tending to the wounded Union soldier's as a surgeon, saving many from painful amputations during the Civil War, and receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor. Through these journey's, Dr. Walker experienced many battles and moments of optimism. Each she fought for with tenacity, all of which she fought for with even more tenacity to have recognized.
Mary Walker was born in 1832, raised doing "man's work" where she grew up in Oswego Town, New York, being the youngest of seven children. Mary was taught independence and understanding very early on through her parents and the books she read in her crowded farmhouse. " In 1840's upstate New York, the stirrings of feminism developed alongside and in conjunction with abolitionism, agnosticism, and the temperance movement" (Mikaelian). During this time, women were not supported in their decision's to get an education. Instead, they were expected to stay at home, be more than a devoted wife, give birth to babies and create a thriving home life. Things did not change much by the time Mary was 21 and enrolled in one of the only medical schools willing to admit women. She proudly wore her bloomers as she sought to do what many women wouldn't dream of in the early 1850's. Then in 1855, she married a man, of whom she did not take his name, which was very uncustomary for the times. She unsuccessfully sought a divorce in Iowa, but didn't receive it due to strict marital laws until 1869.