Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About Clara Barton?

Q#1 – What is Clara Barton’s actual first name and why did her parents name her that?

Q#2 – What incident at the age of ten was Barton’s first introduction to nursing?

Q#3 – To assist Barton in overcoming her childhood shyness, what decision did her parents make?

Q#4 – Early on as a teacher in Hightstown, NJ, Barton learned about the lack of public schools in Bordentown, a neighboring city. In 1852, she was contracted to open a free school in Bordentown, which was the first ever free school in New Jersey. Barton hired another woman to help teach over 600 people. What was the annual salary that each woman was paid? (Hint: It’s less than 4 figures)

Q#5 – The success Barton had with running the free school resulted in the town constructing a new building for the school. However, after opening the new building, what decisions by the Town School Board led to Barton suffering a nervous breakdown and quitting?

Q#6 – In 1855, Barton moved to Washington, D.C., and began work as a clerk in the U.S. Patent Office; this was the first time a woman had received a substantial clerkship in the federal government and at a salary equal to a man’s salary. What led to Barton being fired from her job?

Q#7 – What was Barton’s first nursing experience in the Civil War?

Q#8 – What important skills, both nursing and providing care for the wounded soldiers did Barton learn?

Q#9 – In August 1862, Barton finally gained permission to work at the front lines. Name one of the two Federal Government officials instrumental in making this happen?

Q#10 – During battles, medical supplies were not always readily available. For example, at the battle of Antietam, what did Barton use in place of bandages when she ran out?

Q#11 – In 1864, what action was taken by Union General Benjamin Butler regarding Barton’s role in providing medical assistance?

Q#12 – By the end of the Civil War, name one of the two titles that Barton was known by?

Q#13 – After the Civil War, what role did the Federal Government assign to Barton?” (Hint: It was not related to nursing duties)

Q#14 – In 1871, why did Barton receive the honorable decorations of the Golden Cross of Baden and the Prussian Iron Cross?

Q#15 – As President of the American Red Cross, what was Barton able to convince then President Chester Arthur regarding the scope of her organizations role?