Susie King Taylor’s legacy shines in Savannah, GA
Artistic depiction of Susie King Taylor - All images imagined and curated by Artist Charles Maring
An African American Nurse and Teacher during the Civil War
Artist depiction of Susie King Taylor teaching solders during the civil war.
Susie King Taylor was a remarkable woman and an important figure in American history. She was born into slavery in the deep south in 1848 in Liberty County, Georgia, and went on to become a nurse, teacher, and Civil War heroine. Taylor is particularly noteworthy for her role in the Civil War, during which she served as a nurse to African American soldiers in the Union Army. Her contributions to the war effort helped to pave the way for greater opportunities for African Americans in the military, and she is considered a trailblazer for women's rights and civil rights in the United States.
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While Susie King Taylor's story has been widely celebrated, her connection to Savannah, Georgia is particularly significant. As a young girl, Taylor was allowed to move to Savannah to live with here grandmother, Dolly who encouraged her to learn to read and write. Formal schooling was not permitted by law at the time for slaves in the Antebellum South, so Taylor’s grandmother arranged for her to attended secret schools. After the Civil War broke out, Taylor escaped to the Union Army, and it was during this time that she began to serve as a nurse and teacher to African American soldiers.
Artist depiction of Susie King Taylor as a nurse aiding soldiers during the civil war.
Taylor's experiences as a slave in Savannah undoubtedly shaped her worldview and contributed to her desire to fight for equality and justice. In her memoir, "Reminiscences of My Life in Camp with the 33d United States Colored Troops, Late 1st S.C. Volunteers," she describes the hardships and injustices of slavery, as well as the bravery and determination of the soldiers she served with. Through her writing, Taylor provides a firsthand account of the Civil War and its impact on African Americans, and her memoir has become an important historical document.
In addition to her work as a nurse and teacher, Taylor also played a significant role in the struggle for civil rights. After the war ended, she returned to Savannah and continued to teach and work for equality. We hope this story intrigues you to dive deeper and learn more about Susie King Taylor on the Library of Congress website where there is an interesting media rich presentation.
Taylor's legacy lives on in Savannah and throughout the United States. Her memoir continues to be studied and celebrated as an important historical document. By fighting for the rights of African Americans and serving as a nurse and teacher during the Civil War, Susie King Taylor made an indelible mark on American history, and her legacy is an inspiration to all who continue to fight for justice and equality.