Kate Cumming made significant contributions as a nurse during the American Civil War. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1835, Cumming immigrated to the United States with her family at a young age, eventually settling in Mobile, Alabama.

When the Civil War erupted in 1861, Cumming felt a strong sense of duty to serve her country and offer aid to the wounded soldiers. Despite lacking formal medical training, she volunteered as a nurse and began her service at a Confederate military hospital in Corinth, Mississippi.

Cumming's experiences as a nurse were both challenging and rewarding. She worked tirelessly to care for the wounded and sick soldiers, often under difficult conditions and with limited resources. Her duties included dressing wounds, administering medication, and providing comfort and support to the soldiers in her care.

Throughout the war, Cumming kept detailed diaries documenting her experiences as a nurse. Her writings offer a poignant and insightful firsthand account of the Civil War from the perspective of a dedicated nurse on the front lines. Cumming's diaries provide valuable historical insight into the medical practices, living conditions, and emotional toll of the war on both soldiers and caregivers.

After the war, Cumming continued to advocate for the welfare of veterans and remained active in charitable work. She eventually published her wartime diaries under the title "Kate: The Journal of a Confederate Nurse," ensuring that her experiences would be preserved for future generations.