Dorothea Dix

Dorothea Dix was one of the most exceptional women activists during her life from 1802 to 1887. Dix advocated for the mentally ill and indigenous people, pushing for proper health treatments. Dorothea was born in the town of Hampden, Maine but was formally raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. At the age of twelve, she escaped from her abusive parents and went to live with her grandmother.  At fourteen she taught young children basic ethics and natural sciences. In 1821 Dix opened a school in Boston, in an attempt to continue her teaching career. However, she soon fell ill and suffered from depression. She was encouraged by American physicians to go to Europe for better treatment.

While overseas Dorthea Dix met with reformers who were interested in changing the way the mentally ill were treated. At this time the mentally ill were viewed as witches or psychotic.  The mentally ill would endure physical and mental abuse from their peers. Dix witnessed this firsthand and immediately set out to change the stigma. Her goal was to pass federal legislation that would have created a national asylum however the bill did not pass. She sent letters to mental hospitals all across the country to fight for her cause. Over time, she institutionalized asylums in New Jersey, North Carolina, and Illinois. Dix continued to tour overseas and report on the various conditions in hospitals.  

When the Civil War began, she dedicated herself to the Union cause. Dix became a superintendent of army nurses for the Union Army. She was known for treating both Confederate and Union soldiers. In a time when male doctors would disdain female doctors, this particular practice helped her gain much respect. After the war, she stepped away from this position in 1865. 

Dix never stopped fighting for social justice, her work does not go unnoticed now. She worked in a time when strong women were frowned upon and pushed aside, but she kept working through all the negative voices. Dorothea Dix is a woman to look up to.  She left an impact on others.