Clara Barton

Clara Barton was the most well known woman in the world at the turn of the 20th century. She founded the American Red Cross after traveling to Switzerland on one of her many trips to Europe. From a small town in Massachusetts, Barton gained a fine reputation treating the wounded in the American Civil War. After this conflict ended she was summoned to assist wounded soldiers in France during the Franco-Prussian War. At the conclusion of this brief war she was presented the Iron Cross, Germany's highest honor, by the Prussian chancellor.