How can a seemingly historical film enrich contemporary culture? Molly's battle is her personal fight for independence and equality set against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War. She is the voice of every person who is told they can't do something and screams, "Yes, I can!"
Molly Pitcher was born Mary Ludwig circa October 13, 1754, near Trenton, New Jersey.
Molly was a common nickname for women named Mary in the Revolutionary time period.
Two places on the Monmouth battlefield are currently marked as the Molly Pitcher Spring.
After the war, "Sergeant Molly," as she was known, was often seen in the streets of Carlisle, Pa., wearing a striped skirt, wool stockings, and a ruffled cap. She was well liked by the people of Carlisle, even though she often cursed like a soldier.
In 1822, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded Mary McCauley (Molly) an annual pension of $40 for her service in the Revolutionary War. She died on Jan. 22, 1832, in Carlisle, at about age 78. She is buried in the Old Graveyard in Carlisle, under the name "Molly McCauley" and statue of "Molly Pitcher," standing alongside a cannon, stands in the cemetery.
In 1928, "Molly Pitcher" was honored on a United States 2-cent postage stamp.
A Revolutionary War recruiting poster.
"Molly" was further honored in World War II with the naming of the Liberty Ship SS Molly Pitcher, launched, and subsequently torpedoed, in 1943. The Liberty ship was a class of cargo ship built during WWII.
The stretch of US Route 11 between Shippensburg, Pa. and the Pennsylvania-Maryland state line is known as the Molly Pitcher Highway.
The U.S. Army base Fort Bragg holds the annual event "Molly Pitcher Day," showcasing weapon systems, airborne operations, and field artillery for family members.
This video was made by our Associate Producer Karin Knebl, who was so inspired after reading the script, she made a teaser. Molly Pitcher helped open the door for over 200,000 women who serve in active-duty in the United States military today, including 69 generals and admirals.