Clara Barton’s life spanned almost a century – 90 years to be exact. And what years they were!
During Barton’s lifetime, the steamship and train got their start. So did the automobile and airplane. Less important, but just as essential to the happiness of many young people, was the construction of the first Ferris wheel. Not to mention the invention of the ice-cream soda. Over the course of Barton’s life, 23 presidents lived in the White House. As Barton grew more and more famous, she met some of these men face to face. But she was not allowed to vote for even one of them! A few of these presidents helped her realize her dreams of helping others. The events of this period helped shape Clara Barton’s life. At the same time, her actions affected the lives of others.