In 1883, when her book, "A Book of Medical Discourses" was published, Rebecca Lee became the first African-American woman to publish a book. Again, this was another amazing feat because of her racial status in the nineteenth-century. With this barrier broken, Rebecca installed hope in not only black women but black men; Showcasing that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to albeit their racial background.
After the Civil War had ended Rebecca served as a nurse for several years in Richmond Virginia. In the mid 1860’s, after the Freedmen’s Bureau was released, Crumpler decided to take care of the many southern blacks, most likely former slaves that were without medical care. She describes this time as “real missionary work,” (Crumpler 3).
Because Rebecca became such an idol to minorities all together for her amazing achievements. Rebecca has her face on a coin, a way to further honor her.
Rebecca Davis Lee Crumpler died on May 9th, in 1895 at the age of 65, in Boston. She is buried in Fairview Cemetery. People continue to honor and admire her many acts of challenging the prejudices that prevented African-Americans from striving for medical careers. Rebecca broke many racial and gender barriers in her time, respectively becoming an idol to many people who faced and currently face the same obstacles as she did.