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696. Who Was Deborah Sampson? The Girl Who Disguised Herself to Fight in the Revolution

696. Who Was Deborah Sampson? The Girl Who Disguised Herself to Fight in the Revolution

Author: Connor Boyack June 9, 2026 Duration: 10:20
The Way the World Works: A Tuttle Twins Podcast for Families
KidsKids & FamilyEducationFamily

When women weren't allowed to serve in the army, Deborah Sampson risked everything to fight for American independence anyway.

Deborah Sampson was one of the most remarkable unsung heroes of the American Revolution. Born in Massachusetts and raised through hardship, she grew up strong, determined, and deeply committed to the cause of liberty. But because women were not allowed to serve as soldiers, she made a bold decision: she disguised herself as a man and enlisted under the name Robert Shurtleff.

In this episode of The Way the World Works, we tell the incredible true story of Deborah Sampson's courage, sacrifice, and determination. She fought in combat, endured battlefield wounds, removed a bullet from her own leg to protect her secret, and served for more than a year before her identity was discovered. Even after being sent home, her bravery was honored — and she became the only woman to receive a full military pension for serving in the Revolutionary War.

Her story reminds us that courage means standing up for what you believe in, even when the rules say you can't.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • Who Deborah Sampson was and why her story matters
  • Why women were not allowed to serve as soldiers during the Revolution
  • How Deborah disguised herself and enlisted in the army
  • What she endured while fighting for American independence
  • Why her courage earned recognition after the war
  • How her story shows sacrifice, bravery, and love of liberty

Timestamps:

0:00 An Unsung Hero of the Revolutionary War
1:30 Who Was Deborah Sampson?
3:30 From Hardship to Strength
5:30 Why She Joined the Army in Disguise
7:30 Fighting as Robert Shurtleff
9:30 Wounded in Battle
11:30 How Her Secret Was Discovered
13:30 Deborah Sampson's Honorable Discharge
15:00 Her Life After the War
16:30 Why Her Courage Still Matters

👍 Like this video if you believe courage can change history
🔔 Subscribe for more values-based conversations about American history, liberty, and character
💬 Comment below: Would you have been brave enough to do what Deborah Sampson did?

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Tags:

#DeborahSampson #AmericanRevolution #RevolutionaryWar #WomenInHistory #AmericanHistory #Liberty #Courage #ValuesEducation


Looking for a way to navigate today’s complex world with your kids? The Way the World Works: A Tuttle Twins Podcast for Families, hosted by Connor Boyack, is here to help. This podcast extends the conversation from the popular book series into your daily life, offering a resource for parents and children to learn together. Each episode dives into current events and enduring ideas, breaking them down into understandable concepts that spark family discussion. The goal is to move beyond the noise and confusion, providing tools for critical thinking and clearer understanding. You’ll hear explorations of history, economics, and personal freedom, all framed in an engaging, age-appropriate manner. This isn’t about dry lectures; it’s about equipping your family with principles to analyze the world around them. Tune in to this podcast for regular episodes that blend education with real-world application, fostering curiosity and meaningful dialogue at home. It’s a natural next step for fans of the Tuttle Twins and a welcoming starting point for any family seeking to build a foundation of knowledge and shared values.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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