Cathay Williams: the First Black Woman to Enlist in the United States Army

Kathy Williams was the first black woman to enlist in the U.S. Army, serving as William Kathy during the American Indian War. Born in 1844, she was impressed into the Union Army in 1861 as a cook and washerwoman. In 1866, she enlisted as a man in the 38th Infantry, serving for two years before her gender was discovered. After discharge, she lived in Pueblo and applied for a pension, which was denied. Her death date remains unknown.

Who was the first black woman to enlist in the United States Army?

• Rosa Parks

• Harriet Tubman

• Kathy Williams

• Sojourner Truth

Under what name did Kathy Williams enlist in the U.S. Army?

• James Brown

• John Williams

• William Kathy

• Thomas Smith

What regiment did Kathy Williams serve in while disguised as a man?

• Buffalo Soldiers

• 54th Massachusetts Infantry

• 38th Infantry

• Tuskegee Airmen

What was the outcome of Kathy Williams' pension application?

• It was rejected due to lack of evidence.

• It was approved with full benefits.

• It was rejected due to no grounds for a pensionable disability.

• It was approved but with limited benefits.

What is known about the date of Kathy Williams' death?

• She died in 1880.

• She died in 1895.

• She died in 1900.

• The date of her death is unknown.