Throughout history, women have gone to extraordinary lengths to break free from societal restrictions. In times when women were barred from education, travel, military service, and economic independence, many disguised themselves as men just to survive and pursue the lives they wanted. These 20 women who disguised themselves as men are powerful examples of courage, resilience, and defiance.
From Revolutionary War soldiers to pirates, explorers, and saints, their unbelievable true stories continue to inspire. If you love women in history, historical figures who defied gender norms, or inspiring survival stories, you’ll find this list fascinating.
Who Was the Most Famous Woman Who Pretended to Be a Man?
Deborah Sampson (who fought in the American Revolution) and Albert Cashier (who lived as a man for over 50 years after the Civil War) are often considered among the most remarkable. Others like pirate Mary Read and explorer Jeanne Baret took even greater risks.
1. Deborah Sampson: Revolutionary War Hero
Deborah Sampson (1760–1827) enlisted in the Continental Army as “Robert Shurtliff” in 1782. She fought in multiple battles, removed a musket ball from her own thigh to hide her gender, and served until the end of the war. Later, she became one of the first women to receive a full military pension.
2. Cathay Williams: The First Female Buffalo Soldier
Born into slavery, Cathay Williams (1844–1893) joined the U.S. Army in 1866 as “William Cathay.” She served with the famed Buffalo Soldiers until her gender was discovered due to illness. She remains the only known woman to serve in that elite unit.
3. Anna Maria Lane: Wounded Revolutionary Soldier
Anna Maria Lane fought alongside her husband in the Continental Army. She was badly wounded at the Battle of Germantown in 1777 and received one of the highest pensions awarded to any soldier for her service.
4. Mary Read: Legendary Pirate
Mary Read lived much of her life as a man, served in the military, and later joined pirate Calico Jack’s crew with Anne Bonny. She was one of the few women ever tried for piracy.
5. Sarah Rosetta Wakeman: Union Soldier
Sarah Rosetta Wakeman enlisted as “Lyons Wakeman” in 1862. Her preserved letters home offer a rare, honest look into the life of a female soldier during the Civil War. She died of disease in 1864.
6. Albert Cashier (Jennie Hodgers): Lifelong Soldier
Born Jennie Hodgers, Albert Cashier fought in 40 battles with the 95th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. He lived as a man for over 50 years and was only discovered after a car accident late in life. His fellow soldiers fiercely defended him.
7. Petra Herrera: Mexican Revolution Leader
Petra Herrera fought as “Pedro Herrera” during the Mexican Revolution, leading troops and blowing up bridges.
8. Frances Clayton: Civil War Fighter
Frances Clayton (also known as Jack Williams) fought in 18 battles with her husband. She was wounded multiple times and witnessed her husband’s death in combat.
9. Loreta Janeta Velazquez: Confederate Soldier & Spy
Loreta Janeta Velazquez served as “Lieutenant Harry T. Buford” for the Confederacy before switching sides to become a Union spy. She later published a detailed memoir of her adventures.
10. Saint Marina (Marinus): The Monk Falsely Accused
Saint Marina was raised as a boy and lived as the monk “Marinus.” She endured false accusations while keeping her identity secret.
11. Hannah Snell: British Marine & World Traveler
Hannah Snell (1723–1792) joined the British Marines as “James Gray” to find her missing husband. She fought in India, was wounded 12 times, and later performed on stage sharing her story.
12. Christian Davies (Mother Ross): 18th-Century Soldier
Christian Davies fought across Europe in the early 1700s under the name Christopher Welch and was eventually granted a pension by Queen Anne.
13. Dorothy Lawrence: WWI Journalist-Soldier
Dorothy Lawrence disguised herself as a British soldier in 1915 to report from the front lines of World War I. She was later discovered but published a book about her experience.
14. Nadezhda Durova: Russian Cavalry Hero
Nadezhda Durova (1783–1866) served as a cavalry officer during the Napoleonic Wars. She earned Russia’s highest military honor and wrote bestselling memoirs.
15. Catalina de Erauso: The Lieutenant Nun
Catalina de Erauso escaped a convent, lived as a man, and became a soldier and adventurer in South America. The Pope eventually granted her permission to continue living as a man.
16. Jeanne Baret: First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe
Jeanne Baret (1740–1807) disguised herself as a man to join a French botanical expedition. She became the first woman to sail around the world, discovering many new plant species.
17. Anne Bonny: Fierce Pirate Queen
Anne Bonny fought bravely alongside Mary Read. Known for her fiery temper, she shamed her male crewmates for cowardice during battles.
18. Brita Olofsdotter: Swedish Cavalry Soldier
Brita Olofsdotter disguised herself to serve in the Swedish army during 17th-century wars.
19. Elisa Bernerström: Finnish War Volunteer
Elisa Bernerström dressed as a man to fight against Russia in the Finnish War (1808–1809).
20. Saint Euphrosyne of Alexandria: 38 Years as a Monk
Saint Euphrosyne fled an arranged marriage and lived as the monk “Smaragdus” in a monastery for 38 years.
Why These Stories Still Inspire Us Today
These women who disguised themselves as men reveal the extreme barriers women once faced — and the incredible determination they showed to overcome them. Their stories highlight themes of identity, equality, and resilience that remain relevant today.
Which of these brave women surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below and explore more powerful historical women and true survival stories on our site.