Elizabeth Blackwell's Grave

Elizabeth Blackwell MD, is known for being the first woman to receive a medical degree in American history, but also the first woman to be placed on the British Medical Register. She has many honors and commemorations in her name, including a U.S. postage stamp in 1974, and is part of artist Judy Chicago’s “Dinner Party.” 

The gravestone is an impressive Celtic-style cross. Blackwell was born in Bristol, England in 1821 and earned her medical degree in 1849 from the Geneva Medical School,( currently known as Hobart and William Smith Colleges, New York).

She pursued her medical career across Europe and the United States, eventually opening her own school. Every year a woman is honored with the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal for their assistance in advancing other females working in the medical profession. 

Along with her sister, Emily Blackwell, she opened up the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857. Elizabeth was also instrumental in organizing women as nurses in the American Civil War.