The Revolutionary War Campfollower
By Karen A. Smith
The 18th century campfollower was a woman who followed the army. Most came
from the poorer classes of society, although some officers’ wives traveled with
their husbands. The campfollower was often the wife of an enlisted man who did
not wish to be separated from her husband or was unable to support herself in
his absence.
She probably wore sturdy, serviceable wool or linen clothing, including a
chemise (loose fitting long undergarment), one or more petticoats (similar to
today’s skirt), short gown (a hip-length unfitted jacket with long sleeves),
apron, handkerchief around her neck, a pocket (a shaped bag worn underneath the
petticoat and reached through a slit in the seam), and flat shoes.
She
walked behind the army, carrying her cook pots, food, and other personal
belongings. She may have been employed as a laundress, cook, or seamstress.
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Read about the Battle of Brandywine. See our online exhibit "In the Path of Battle: Chadds Ford & the Battle of Brandywine."