Dorothea Dix

Civil Rights Leader

Birthday April 4, 1802

Birth Sign Aries

Birthplace Hampden, ME

DEATH DATE Jul 17, 1887 (85)

#82,610 Most Popular

About

American mental health activist credited with the creation of the first American mental asylums. She served as the Superintendent of Army Nurses during the American Civil War.

Before Fame

She ran away from home to escape her abusive, alcoholic father at age twelve.

Trivia

Her legacy was honored by the United States Postal Service with the issuing of a Dorothea Dix one cent stamp in 1983.

Family Life

She was the eldest of three children born to her parents.

Associated With

She beat out Elizabeth Blackwell for the position of Superintendent of Army Nurses.