Almost every American has heard of the iconic figures of American history, including George Washington, Thomas Edison, and Abraham Lincoln. While they all deserve recognition, they are not the only ones who changed history. Many Americans, not just a select few, changed history and created the America we know today. One in particular is Clarissa Harlowe Barton, who went by the name Clara. In Clara's time, women were still considered inferior to men. Throughout her work, she faced a lot of sexism, but she overcame this and created a legacy for herself. The Civil War also took place during her life, in which she played a very helpful part. Clara's best-known achievement is her founding of the American Red Cross. In addition to this, Clara also established the nation's first free public school in Bordentown, New Jersey, worked as a field nurse during the Civil War, and supported the women's suffrage movement. Barton received little recognition for her efforts, but the work she did continues today at the American Red Cross, which helps 70,000 victims each year. By understanding her life and the work she has done, people can realize the impact she has had on the world, as it far exceeds that for which she is recognized. The youngest of five children, Barton learned much of her knowledge from her eldest. siblings. At age 15, she began teaching at a school in Massachusetts. After spending some time at an advanced school for women teachers, Barton established the nation's first free public school in Bordentown, New Jersey, which enrolled 600 students in its first year of operation. Unfortunately for Barton, a male principal was hired at his school and received double the salary... middle of paper ... in the early years of the organization. Not only does the American Red Cross help large communities after a disaster, but they also help families. One of the many great stories is when the Red Cross helped a Holocaust survivor named Saul Dreier reunite with his family. Saul had been held at Schindler's camp during the Holocaust. After being released, he thought he was the only member of his family still alive. With the help of the Red Cross, he was able to reunite with his family, a great gift for someone who experienced such a terrible tragedy. However, all of these stories and disaster relief would not have been possible if Miss Clara Barton had not done the backbreaking work of establishing the American Red Cross. Every life saved and every community rebuilt can be traced back to Clara Barton and shows how important her life is to American history and America today..