Atlanta's Women of Distinction

Nancy Morgan Hart

1735 — ​1830
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Meet a Revolutionary War heroine from Georgia...

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Nancy Morgan Hart
Nancy Morgan Hart was Georgia's most acclaimed female participant during the Revolutionary War (1775-83). A devout patriot, Hart gained notoriety during the revolution for her determined efforts to rid the area of Tories, English soldiers, and British sympathizers. Her single-handed efforts against Tories and Indians in the Broad River frontier, as well as her covert activities as a patriot spy, have become the stuff of myth, legend, and local folklore.

​According to contemporary accounts, "Aunt Nancy," as she was often called, was a tall, gangly woman who towered six feet in height. Like the frontier she inhabited, she was rough-hewn and rawboned, with red hair and a smallpox-scarred face. She was also cross-eyed. One early account pointed out that Hart had "no share of beauty — a fact she herself would have readily acknowledged, had she ever enjoyed an opportunity of looking into a mirror."
​Hart's physical appearance was matched by a feisty personal demeanor characterized by a hotheaded temper, a fearless spirit, and a penchant for exacting vengeance upon those who offended her or harmed her family and friends. Local Indians soon began to refer to her as "Wahatche," which may have meant "war woman." She was also a domineering wife. Many remembered that she, rather than her husband, ran the Hart household, which eventually included six sons and two daughters. ​​​Although she was illiterate, Hart was amply blessed with the skills and knowledge necessary for frontier survival; she was an expert herbalist, a skilled hunter, and despite her crossed eyes, an excellent shot.
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According to Revolutionary lore, Nancy Hart famously outwitted a group of Tories who had invaded her home. She served them wine and, once they were drunk, filched their weapons, which she used to shoot two of the men and hold the rest captive until help arrived. Painting by Louis S. Glanzman. ~ Courtesy of National Geographic
A replica of Revolutionary War patriot Nancy Hart's cabin stands near its original site in Elbert County. Hart is renowned for capturing and killing several Tories at her cabin during the war. ~ Courtesy of Elbert County Chamber of Commerce
The Kettle Creek Battlefield Historic Monument commemorates a Revolutionary War battle that took place on February 14, 1779. Famed patriot Nancy Hart was reportedly present during the conflict. ~ Courtesy of Thomas Hammack Jr.
Lake Hartwell, named after Revolutionary War hero Nancy Hart, provides drinking water, hydropower, and public entertainment to millions of people each year. The reservoir, which borders Georgia and South Carolina, exists because of Hartwell Dam on the Savannah River. ~ Courtesy of UGA Archway Partnership
Photos and captions for first four photos courtesy of New Georgia Encyclopedia
​Native Americans called Nancy Hart, Wahatchie. This meant War Woman. Her deeds during the American Revolutionary War not only earned this fierce name, but she is also the only woman in the state of Georgia for which a county is named. Just how did a woman in rural northeast Georgia earn these accolades? This is the story of the War Woman, Nancy Hart. 
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Women of Distinction Tour ​created by ATLsherpa

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How & Where to Connect

​In Atlanta, the best place to connect with Nancy Hart is Liberty Plaza. There, you will find an historical plaque entitled, "WAR WOMAN" (see photos above) that tells her story. Instructions on how to get there are provided below...
ELSEWHERE IN GEORGIA...
  • Nancy Hart is the only woman to have a Georgia county named for her. Hart County was carved from Elbert, Franklin and Wilkes counties in 1853 to honor the legendary frontierswoman.
  • In the 20th century, nearby Lake Hartwell and Hartwell Dam, Hart State Park, and the Nancy Hart Highway (Georgia Route 77) commemorate the legendary woman.
  • In 1997, Hart was inducted into Georgia Women of Achievement.
  • The Milledgeville, Georgia, chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was renamed in honor of Nancy Hart.
Explore Liberty Plaza

Getting there...

  • Nancy Hart's "War Women" marker (shown above) is located in Liberty Plaza, just inside the south entrance, near flag court and Liberty Bell.
  • It is a two-block walk from the Georgia State MARTA station.
  • The exact location of the marker is noted on this image.
  • You can see what southern entrance to Liberty Plaza looks like on the 360-Google Map above. Nancy Hart's marker is just inside that gate and to the left.

Don't miss...

While you're there, give yourself an hour to explore:
  • Liberty Plaza (30 mins)
  • Pete Wheeler Georgia War Veterans Memorial (30 mins)
If time permits, you should also visit the Georgia State Capitol. Even if the Capitol building is not open, the Capitol Grounds are a must-see! That's another 30 minutes, at least.

Learn more...

  • Nancy Hart (Georgia Encyclopedia)
  • Nancy Hart (Nat'l Women's History Museum)
  • ​Nancy Hart (Wikipedia)
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