Heroic lighthouse keeper Ida Lewis, photographed after rescuing two Union Civil War veterans from th
Heroic lighthouse keeper Ida Lewis, photographed after rescuing two Union Civil War veterans from the waters off Newport, Rhode Island.“During a snowstorm on March 29, 1869 Ida ran to her boat without taking the time to put on a coat or shoes. With the help of her younger brother, she was able to haul the two men into her boat and bring them to the lighthouse. For her heroism she became the first woman to receive a gold Congressional medal for lifesaving. Because of her many rescues, Ida Lewis became the best-known lighthouse keeper of her day. During her 39 years on Lime Rock, she is credited with saving 18 lives, although unofficial reports suggest the number may have been as high as 36.” (source Wikipedia)Photo by Manchester Bros. in Providence - 1869 -- source link
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