Women became an essential part of the Civil War. They took on roles such as nurses, spies, and even soldiers. Dorothea Lynde Dix (1802-1887) was an author, teacher, and reformer. As a reformer, Dix created dozens of institutions for prisoners and the mentally ill across the United States and Europe. It has contributed greatly to improving ordinary people's perception of these populations. During the Civil War, she helped administer the military hospital and worked as a nurses' advocate. Dix gave up her time and volunteered to organize and equip the Union Army hospitals in April 1861. As superintendent of nurses, Dix oversaw the entire nursing staff. She was the first woman to hold such a high, federally appointed position. His administrative skills were sorely needed to control the flow of clothing and bandages as the war progressed. The army officers and nurses were very intimidated by her and were afraid of her. They finally succeeded in removing Dix from her position in 1863. After being ousted, she returned to reform the treatment of the mentally ill. Dorothea Lynde DixHarriet Tubman (1820-1913) was a former slave who escaped from slavery in 1849 at the age of 29. Harriet was passionate about saving other slaves from slavery. He founded the Underground Railroad and helped lead over 300 slaves to freedom. Union officers recruited Harriet as a spy shortly after she volunteered to cook and nurse at a military hospital. She became the first woman to help lead a military expedition. He helped Colonel James Montgomery plan a night raid to free slaves working the rice plantations along the Combahee River. Harriet and several black soldiers sailed upriver and freed approximately 750 slaves on June 1, 1863. Harriet Tubman Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was a major American author who wrote over 30 books in her lifetime. She is best remembered for her book Hospital Sketches, which she wrote at home while serving as an Army nurse during the Civil War. Growing up, her home was a stop on the Underground Railroad and this helped her realize the effects of slavery on these slaves. He wanted to help in any way he could. In December 1862, Alcott left for Union Hospital in Georgetown, outside Washington, D.C., to become a nurse. She had no formal training as a nurse and no formal training was required. The only requirements were to be a sober, mature mentality and a simple appearance.