Historical Date: Margaret Corbin Day
May 1, 2027
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On This Day: Honoring the Courage of Margaret Corbin
Margaret Corbin Day commemorates the extraordinary bravery of Margaret Corbin, one of the first women to fight in combat for the United States. During the American Revolutionary War, she took her husband’s place at a cannon when he was killed in the Battle of Fort Washington on November 16, 1776. Corbin operated the cannon until she was severely wounded, suffering injuries that left her unable to use her left arm for the rest of her life. Her courage earned her the nickname “Captain Molly” and a legacy as a symbol of sacrifice and resilience.
Each year, ceremonies at the Margaret Corbin Monument in West Point Cemetery honor her memory. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) place a wreath at her memorial, the West Point Military Police fire a rifle volley, and a West Point Band bugler plays “Taps” in her tribute.
Margaret Corbin Day reminds us of the vital role women played in the American Revolution and the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom.