United States Sanitary Commission

Illustration from "Roughing It"

Organizational chart of the USSC

Photograph of New York City Police Commissioners

"Our Heroines" by Thomas Nast

The United States Sanitary Commission (USSC) was a private relief agency created by federal legislation on June 18, 1861, to support sick and wounded soldiers of the Union Army during the American Civil War. It operated across the United States and was instrumental in providing medical supplies, food, and other necessities to soldiers in the field.

History

The USSC was established in response to the inadequate medical and sanitary conditions faced by Union soldiers. The organization was inspired by the British Sanitary Commission during the Crimean War. The USSC was led by Henry Whitney Bellows, a Unitarian minister, and Frederick Law Olmsted, a noted landscape architect, who served as the executive secretary.

Formation

The commission was formed after a meeting in New York City in April 1861, where concerned citizens gathered to discuss the need for a national organization to support the Union troops. The USSC was officially sanctioned by President Abraham Lincoln and Congress, allowing it to operate with the authority to inspect military camps and hospitals.

Operations

The USSC organized "Sanitary Fairs" to raise funds and awareness. These fairs were held in major cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York City. The commission also established a network of volunteers, including many women, who worked tirelessly to provide aid to soldiers.

Impact

The USSC played a crucial role in improving the health and welfare of Union soldiers. It provided medical supplies, established hospitals, and improved camp sanitation. The commission's efforts are credited with reducing the mortality rate among soldiers and setting a precedent for future humanitarian efforts.

Key Figures

• Henry Whitney Bellows - President of the USSC
• Frederick Law Olmsted - Executive Secretary
• Dorothea Dix - Superintendent of Army Nurses

Related pages

• American Civil War
• Union Army
• Sanitary Commission

Gallery

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  Flag of the USSC
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  Camp Nelson Soldiers Home
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  Historical marker of the Great Central Fair
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  Picture Gallery, Metropolitan Fair, 1864

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  United_States_Sanitary_Commission
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  United_States_Sanitary_Commission
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  United_States_Sanitary_Commission
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  Our Heroines by Thomas Nast
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  United States Sanitary Commission Flag
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  United States Sanitary Commission
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  United States Sanitary Commission
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  Picture Gallery, Metropolitan Fair, N.Y., 1864