Harriet Patience Dame

Harriet Patience Dame (January 5, 1815 – April 24, 1900) was a prominent nurse in the American Civil War. Her portrait hangs in the New Hampshire State House. In 1843, Dame moved to Concord, New Hampshire, where she lived until the outbreak of the Civil War, and worked at various occupations. She was appointed matron of the 18th Army Corps hospital in September 1864. Her duties included supervising other nurses, and cooking for the hospital patients, often numbering in the thousands. Marston said of her: "Miss Dame was the bravest woman I ever knew. I have seen her face a cannon battery without flinching while a man took refuge behind her for safety from flying shells. She was always present when most needed." Dame's nursing duties varied as well; sometimes she would oversee supplies, other times she would investigate the sanitary conditions of other regiments.

She was twice captured in battle, and released by her captors.