Ella Hattan: The Queen of the Sword

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' Simon and Vicky delve into the life of Ellen Hatton, better known as the Jaguarina. Born in 1859 in Ohio, Ella Hatton broke gender barriers to become a celebrated 19th-century swordswoman and duelist. Trained by the progressive Colonel Thomas Monstery, she excelled in multiple forms of combat, eventually becoming an undefeated champion in fencing and other martial arts. The hosts explore her rigorous training, her spectacular career filled with numerous victories, and her influence as a performer and teacher. Ella's resilience, skill, and showmanship made her not only a sports legend but also an inspiring figure for future generations of female athletes.

Sources are: 

https://martialartsnewyork.org/2015/03/31/colonel-thomas-monstery-and-the-training-of-jaguarina-americas-champion-swordswoman/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Hattan#cite_note-3

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War#Outbreak_of_the_war

https://clairemead.com/2022/07/03/la-jaguarina/

https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/blog/womens-history-spotlight-jaguarina-and-colonel-monstery/

https://www.rejectedprincesses.com/princesses/la-jaguarina

00:00 Introduction and Launch Celebration

01:08 Listener-Recommended Topic: Ellen Hudson aka Jaguarina

02:54 Early Life of Ellen Hudson

03:23 Understanding the American Civil War

05:00 Ellen's Move to Cleveland and Theatre Involvement

06:43 Training Under Colonel Thomas Monstry

11:47 Colonel Monstry's Progressive Approach to Women's Fencing

19:57 Grueling Training Regimen

21:24 Confronting Sexism

22:47 Rising to Fame

23:59 Dueling Sensation

26:20 Media Savvy and Personal Life

34:24 Retirement and Legacy

36:12 Conclusion and Reflections