At Molly Pitcher’s American Grill, our name is more than just a label, it is a tribute to the legendary "founding mothers" of the American Revolutionary War. While many historians believe the name "Molly Pitcher" is a composite image or folklore, it serves as a powerful representation of women’s bravery and perseverance in the face of immense opposition. We find our inspiration in the real life accounts of three extraordinary women who defied the expectations of their time to fight for liberty.

Honoring Our Founding Mothers

Our story is rooted in the legacies of these three pioneers, whose grit and sacrifice paved the way for generations of women to follow:

• Mary Ludwig Hays: Hays was the wife of William Hays, an artilleryman in the Continental Army. She joined him at the Army's winter camp at at the Battle of Monmouth, where she served as a water-carrier. When her husband fell she took his place swabbing and loading the cannon, and after the action was commended by George Washington. The incident was recorded by Joseph Plumb Martin in his memoir published in 1830.

• Margaret Corbin: Corbin was the wife of John Corbin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also an artilleryman in the Continental army. On November 16, 1776, John Corbin was one of 2,800 American soldiers who defended Fort Washington in northern Manhattan from 9,000 attacking Hessian troops under British command. When John Corbin was wounded and killed, Margaret took his place at the cannon, and continued to fire it until she was seriously wounded in the arm. In 1779, Margaret Corbin was awarded an annual pension of $50 by the state of Pennsylvania for her heroism in battle. She was the first woman in the United States to receive a military pension. Her nickname was "Captain Molly”.

• Deborah Sampson: Sampson disguised herself as a man and enlisted under an assumed name; because of her smooth complexion and high-pitched voice she was nicknamed "Molly" by her comrades. After her discharge she successfully petitioned for a pension as a veteran, one of only two women (the other was Corbin) to receive such.

Why It Matters to Us

Molly Pitcher represents the encompassing spirit of courage that we strive to bring to Wilmington and our amazing clients every day. Just as these women stepped up when their communities needed them most, we are committed to celebrating the sacrifices and bravery of women through the generations