The History of the American Red Cross in Greater New York
New York City's prominence as the business, financial and communications capital of the nation and as the gateway to America has put continuing demands on the Red Cross in New York. Red Cross volunteers and supporters here have responded in the highest tradition, year after year. This is the story of the Red Cross in New York, and how it has played an important part in the history and growth of the American Red Cross, from the earliest days of the organization.
The Birth of the Red Cross
The American Red Cross in Greater New York is a part of an international humanitarian movement that has its roots in 19th century Europe. In 1859, A Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant (1828-1910), witnessed the Battle of Solferino in Italy, where scores of wounded were left on the battlefield without help. Realizing the need for a humanitarian organization, in 1863 he and others created the International Committee of the Red Cross. Its mission was to ensure protection to the wounded in time of war. Dunant was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
 
At about this time in the United States, Clara Barton (1821-1912), a government worker in Washington, helped care for the wounded on Civil War battlefields. She became known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." Later she went to Europe and learned of the Red Cross movement. Returning home, she worked to persuade the U.S. Senate to support the international Red Cross treaty in the face of governmental concerns about "entangling alliances." On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton organized the American Association of the Red Cross in Washington, D.C. Two years later it was renamed the American National Red Cross. |
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