Creative Project: Deborah Sampson

     I created a collage of pictures to represent my figure, Deborah Sampson. Deborah Sampson was a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War. As a child, Deborah became an indentured servant to Deacon Benjamin Thomas. Thomas, a devout patriot, raised Deborah, teaching her things traditionally taught to boys such as how to shoot a gun and protect themselves. She eventually grew up to become strong and intelligent, unlike many girls and women at the time. 

     At the age of 18, she completed her indentured service and began teaching. While the Revolutionary War continued, she decided she wanted more. She wanted to fight for her country. Unfortunately, she obviously could not because she was a woman and the military would not allow her to fight. Deborah decided she needed to find another way. She sewed her own outfit, cut her hair, and called herself Robert Shirtliff. 

     She pulled it off and finally was able to fight. Robert Shirtliff made somewhat of a name for himself because of their skills in combat and their intelligence. All was well for more than 2 years until “Robert” was wounded by a sword slash to the head and a pistol ball wound in the thigh at Tarrytown, NY. In fact, she extracted the pistol ball from her own leg with a knife because she knew if she went to the hospital, they would discover her true identity.

     A year into her service, she falls ill and passes out during an epidemic, and is taken to a hospital. The doctor notices the gauze and eventually her true identity. Her doctor, Dr. Barnabus Binney, takes care of her for 7 months (mostly in private so no one knows she was Robert Shirtliff). Before she leaves, Dr. Binney asks her to deliver a letter to General John Patterson. After she delivers it, she is asked if she is Robert Shirtliff. She apologizes for lying but instead of being mad, he admires her bravery and courage. She received an honorable discharge and a full pension. Deborah Sampson was the only woman at the time to receive that type of recognition. She also recognized by Paul Revere for her bravery and lived the rest of her days admired by many.

     I created this figure because Deborah Sampson is an inspiration to me because of her determination to do what she wanted to do and be equal to the men of society. I also wanted to spread her message and story because I believe she deserves to be discussed and taught to us in history classes. It would be very beneficial to see a real historical woman fighting for her equality as a young girl.

     I tried to highlight the similarities in her image as a young woman and a warrior. Through the collage, I represented Deborah Sampson’s femininity and double life as a fighter. However, I believe she was able to portray both at the same time.

     I believed a collage would be the best representation as I could display all aspects of her life through different pictures. The pictures in the middle are actually 2 pictures of her collaged together. 

     I do believe I chose the perfect medium to suit her because I demonstrated her life before and during the war with a variety of photos. I hope her story is taught for years to come.