Soldiers of Christ, Angels of Mercy: The Daughters of Charity in Los Angeles, 1856–1888

This article describes the challenges the Daughters of Charity faced on the American frontier and how they successfully coped with them. Their efforts “contributed to the ongoing Americanization of their denomination” because the Daughters adapted their religious practices to life on the frontier. They responded to local needs and their works expanded far beyond the initial founding of a school and an orphanage. Among other things, they built a hospital, served as nurses and found jobs for women. As the first female business executives in Los Angeles, they did creative fund-raising for their own projects and for many Catholic causes. They also aided and cooperated with people of other religions and cultures. Finally, they bridged significant divisions within the Church