by Noah Davis, Historical Interpreter
October 16, 2025 – Susie King Taylor, originally Susan Baker, was born August 6, 1848, on the Isle of Wight, close to Savannah. Moving to Savannah shortly after with her grandmother, who was not enslaved, Susie was secretly educated throughout her childhood, which became a significant influence in her later years.
The Civil War broke out when Susie was just 12 years old. In 1862, Union forces took Fort Pulaski in Savannah. Subsequently, General David Hunter issued a proclamation freeing any person who was enslaved at Ft. Pulaski or in the surrounding areas.
Following this, Susie’s uncle fled the city with her and seven others, obtaining freedom under the Union fleet. She was later transported to St. Simons Island, where she was introduced to other formerly enslaved people who would form Company E of the 1st South Carolina Infantry.
She initially taught these soldiers reading and writing, but soon went on to become one of the first known Black nurses in United States history.
While nursing was quite different back then, Susie’s responsibilities included administering medicine, sewing uniforms, and cooking for soldiers. Susie continued with Company E, caring for them across their campaigns in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Susie helped nurse injured soldiers at Charleston following the Confederate evacuation in 1865. After the war, Susie remained dedicated to helping veterans, especially in New England.
In 1902, Susie published her Reminiscences of My Life in Camp, an autobiography that is one of the only surviving accounts of the life of a Black woman serving with the army during the Civil War.
She paved the way for Black women in healthcare and advocated for their voices to be heard.
Want more stories of the American Revolution? Visit our blog or explore Savannah History Museum and the powerful legacies left behind.