Today in Military History: May 21, 1881; American Red Cross is Founded

On May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton and her acquaintances. Barton was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” for her work with the wounded in the Civil War. Barton later worked with the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War which lead her to help found the American Chapter.

Clara Barton, post Civil War, courtesy of nationalarchives.gov

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