Mary Seacole

Hello. My name is Mary Seacole. I was born on a sunny island called Jamaica a long, long time ago, in the year 1805. My mother was a wonderful helper. She knew how to use plants to make people feel all better. I loved to watch my mother. I loved helping her take care of everyone who needed it.

When I grew up, I heard that soldiers were hurt in a war far away. The war was in a place called Crimea. I knew I had to go help them. I traveled across the big, big ocean to get there. I built a special place for the soldiers and called it the 'British Hotel.' It was a warm and cozy place where I gave them yummy food, soft beds, and medicine to help them feel strong again.

The soldiers were so happy I was there. They even gave me a special name, 'Mother Seacole.' It made me feel so good to help those brave people. I lived to be 76 years old. Today, people remember me because I was kind and brave, and I traveled a long way to take care of others.