Bonnets & Bullets: The Nancy Hart Militia

For the entirety of the Civil War, a group of elite Southern women from LaGrange, Georgia, formed the only all-female militia ever to have existed in the United States. Known locally as the Nancy Hart Militia, these young women prepared to defend their town, showcasing their determination to protect the home-front and preserve their personal honor while men were away fighting. This thesis explores this little-known group of women, challenging the stereotypes of proper Southern belles and considers their motivations and experiences within the context of antebellum, wartime, and postbellum eras. Using historical records and personal accounts, this study traces the formation of the Nancy Hart Militia, examines their cultural expectations, and analyzes their legacy as they faded into local lore rather than gaining recognition in American history. Ultimately, this thesis argues that in subtly defying societal norms, the Nancies inadvertently created a new space for themselves to challenge gender roles and redefine and defend their honor in the face of danger.