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The American Red Cross, one of the most distinguished humanitarian organizations in the world, traces its history back to the 19th century. In 1881, former American Civil War nurse Clara Barton and her circle of acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. That idea was inspired by a postwar visit Barton made to Europe, where she first encountered the International Red Cross. Though many women did not work outside the home during Barton’s era, the Massachusetts-born nurse would serve as the head of the American Red Cross for 23 years, during which time she aided the United States military in the Spanish-American War. Barton also successfully campaigned for including peacetime relief work as part of the global Red Cross mission. Today, the American Red Cross continues to help millions of people in need. Among the organization’s many missions are helping Americans affected by natural disasters, supporting military personnel and their families, collecting blood for processing and distribution, providing health and safety education and training, and providing international relief. GB15B648