Grave of a Famous Person: Clara Barton - Oxford, MA

Clara Barton Gravesite

North Cemetery

Oxford, MA

N 42° 08.429 W 071° 52.103

Short Description: 

The grave of Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross is located in North Cemetery in Oxford, MA.

Long Description:

Three granite monuments are located in the family plot which contains the grave of Clara Barton. The head and foot of the grave are marked by a pair of monuments. A simple 2' high granite gravestone is simply marked C.B. It is paired with a 6' high monument which contains a Red Cross on top of base that has a bronze wreath. A large family gravestone is inscribed with a synopsis of Clara Barton's accomplishments. It is inscribed:

CLARA BARTON

"ANGEL OF THE BATTLEFIELD"

CIVIL WAR 1861 - 1865

FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAS 1870 -1871

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 1898

ORGANIZER AND PRESIDENT OF THE 

AMERICAN RED CROSS

1881-1904

DEC. 25, 1821 - APRIL 12, 1912

BARTON

Clarissa Harlowe "Clara" Barton was born on Christmas Day in 1821 in North Oxford, MA. During her life she held many positions that were unusual for a woman at that time. She was a teacher, patent clerk, nurse, and humanitarian.

Early in her career she worked as a school teacher is south central Massachusetts. In 1850, she attended the Clinton Liberal Institute in New York and then opened a free school in New Jersey. Next she worked as a clerk in the US Patent Office in Washington D.C.

In 1855 she moved to Washington D.C. and began work as a clerk in the US Patent Office. She was the first woman to hold a Federal position at the same salary as a man.

In 1862, during the Civil War after the First Battle of Bull Run Clara Barton involved the public and gathered and distributed medical supplies for wounded soldiers. In 1864, she was appointed by Union General Benjamin Butler to take charge of the field hospitals on the front lines for the Union Army on the James River. In this capacity, she became known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." After the war she was in charge of the Office of Missing Soldiers.

After the war she traveled to Europe. During a trip to Geneva, Switzerland, Clara Barton was introduced to the Swiss organization the Red Cross, an organization founded by Henry Dunant that provided relief on a neutral basis. Clara Barton worked to get recognition for International Committee of the Red Cross by the United States government. Soon thereafter, Clara Barton became the first President of the American Red Cross.

Citizen Memorial: Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton - Boston, MA

Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton

Boston, MA

N 42° 21.496 W 071° 03.794

Short Description: 

A plaque honoring Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton is located on a wall in Nurses Hall in the Massachusetts State House at 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA.

Long Description:

 20" by 16" bronze plaque in Nurses Hall of the Massachusetts State House commemorates the life and accomplishments of Clarissa Harlowe "Clara" Barton. The plaque contains a relief portrait of Clara Barton down to the top of her shoulders. Below the portrait is the inscription:

Clarissa (Clara) Harlowe Barton

"Angel of the Battlefield"

1821 - 1912

Teacher, self-taught nurse,

women's rights advocate,

founder of the American Red Cross

A native of Oxford, Massachusetts

Clara Barton

has a commitment to humanity,

a spirit of perseverance,

and determination that continues

to be an inspiration to the 

citizens of the Commonwealth.

Clarissa Harlowe "Clara" Barton was born on Christmas Day in 1821 in North Oxford, MA. During her life she held many positions that were unusual for a woman at that time. She was a teacher, patent clerk, nurse, and humanitarian.

Early in her career she worked as a school teacher is south central Massachusetts. In 1850, she attended the Clinton Liberal Institute in New York and then opened a free school in New Jersey. Next she work as a clerk in the US Patent Office in Washington D.C.

In 1855 she moved to Washington D.C. and began work as a clerk in the US Patent Office. She was the first woman to hold a Federal position at the same salary as a man.

In 1862, during the Civil War after the First Battle of Bull Run Clara Barton involved the public and gathered and distributed medical supplies for wounded soldiers. In 1864, she was appointed by Union General Benjamin Butler to take charge of the field hospitals on the front lines for the Union Army on the James River. In this capacity, she became known as is known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." After the war she was in charge of the Office of Missing Soldiers.

After the war she traveled to Europe. During a trip to Geneva, Switzerland, Clara Barton was introduced to the Swiss organization the Red Cross, an organization founded Henry Dunant that provided relief on a neutral basis. Clara Barton worked to get recognition for International Committee of the Red Cross by the United States government. Soon thereafter, Clara Barton became the first President of the American Red Cross.

The Massachusetts State House at 24 Beacon Street in Boston is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. All visitors must enter through the General Hooker entrance.

Childhood Home: Clara Barton Birthplace & Museum - North Oxford, MA

Clara Barton Birthplace & Museum 

North Oxford, MA

N 42° 09.180 W 071° 53.707

Short Description: 

Clara Barton Birthplace Museum is located at 66 Clara Barton Road off Route 12 in North Oxford, MA. Clara Barton was the founder of the American Red Cross.

Long Description:

Clara Barton Birthplace and Museum features exhibits "to learn about her life of boundless mercy and commitment." Hours - From May 31st to August 30th, the museum is open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In September, the museum is open Saturdays only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are also available by appointment. October to May, weekdays--by appointment only.

Clarissa Harlowe "Clara" Barton was born on Christmas Day in 1821 in this house North Oxford, MA. She lived their until she reached adulthood. During her life she held many positions that were unusual for a woman at that time. She was a teacher, patent clerk, nurse, and humanitarian.

Early in her career she worked as a school teacher is south central Massachusetts. In 1850, she attended the Clinton Liberal Institute in New York and then opened a free school in New Jersey. Next she work as a clerk in the US Patent Office in Washington D.C.

She was in Washington D.C. when the Civil War began. In 1862, after the First Battle of Bull Run, Clara Barton involved the public and gathered and distributed medical supplies for wounded soldiers. In 1864, she was appointed by Union General Benjamin Butler to take charge of the field hospitals on the front lines for the Union Army of the James. In this capacity, she became known as is known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." After the war she was in charge of the Office of Missing Soldiers.

After the war she traveled to Europe. During a trip to Geneva, Switzerland, Clara Barton was introduced to the Swiss organization the Red Cross, an organization founded Henry Dunant that provided relief on a neutral basis. Clara Barton worked to get recognition for International Committee of the Red Cross by the United States government. Soon thereafter, Clara Barton became the first President of the American Red Cross.

Roadside Attraction: Colgate Clock - Jersey City, NJ

Colgate Clock

Jersey City, NJ

N 40° 42.722 W 074° 02.021

Short Description: 

The Colgate Clock once held the record of the World's Largest Clock, It is located on the grounds of Exchange Place, facing the Hudson River, in Jersey City, NJ.

Long Description:

The Colgate Clock is an octagonal clock with a diameter of 50'. it was constructed in 1924 and originally was located on top of the Colgate-Palmolive Building. It was meant to be viewed from lower Manhattan or by boats and ships sailing on the Hudson River. When the e Colgate-Palmolive Building was demolished and the new Goldman-Sachs headquarters building was built, the clock was relocated to its current location.

Philatelic Photograph: Torre de Belém - Lisbon, Portugal

Torre de Belém

Lisbon

Portugal

N 38° 41.502 W 009° 12.945

Short Description: 

The Torre de Belém is a fortified tower located at the north side of the mouth of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. It was designated a a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, in 1983.

Long Description:

The Torre de Belém was designed in the Gothic style by King John II as a defensive structure and as a gateway to Lisbon on the Tagus River. In 1515 construction began under the direction of architects: Francisco de Arruda, Francisco de Holanda, António Viana Barreto, and António de Azevedo e Cunha. The Torre de Belém was completed in 1519. The limestone Torre de Belém has two parts, a four story tower and a bastion on the south side of the tower.

The Torre de Belém began being used as a state prison in 1580 when it was captured by the Spanish forces of the Duke of Alba. It continued to be uses as a prison for condemned people of high social status until 1830.