Jane Bond:
Female Spies in the Civil War
Female Spies in the Civil War
Even before they could cast a ballot, women were already casting a major influence on American society through their actions supporting the Civil War. Many played a major role during the war as nurses on the front line, and a few talented women even became spies, taking advantage of the fact that no man would ever suspect a woman of doing something so dangerous. In reality, women took part in several missions and served as messengers for both sides of the war. Before the war, a women's roles were strictly defined as a mother and wife, and they were thought to be subordinate to men both physically and intellectually. During the war, women proved themselves to be just as capable and intelligent as men and broke the traditional mold of a woman's world. These outstanding women helped set the stage for the women's rights movement that would come later.
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Harriet Tubman
(1820-1913)
Union
Harriet Tubman made the treacherous journey to Canada in order to earn her freedom at age 30, marking the start to her abolitionist career. helped more than 300 slaves cross to the North through a network of routes and safe houses known as the underground railroad, earning her the nickname ‘Moses’.
Squyer, H. Seymour. Harriet Tubman by Squyer. Digital image. Wikipedia. N.p., 12 Mar. 2010. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.
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Pauline Cushman
(1833-1893)
Union
Although her theater was traveling through the South, Cushman was a pro-union actress who socialized with confederate military commanders in order to earn their trust. Using her cunningness and charm, she was able to take hold of rebel battle plans and drawings which she had concealed in her shoes. Although she was caught, tried, and sentenced to death, Union troops’ invasion of the area secured her rescue and allowed her to be commended by President Lincoln and awarded the title “Miss Major” Cushman.
Brady, Mathew. Pauline Cushman by Brady. Digital image. Wikipedia. N.p., 17 June 2009. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.
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Belle Boyd
(1843-1900)
Confederate
Marie Isabelle Boyd began her undercover career at age 17 when she shot and killed an intoxicated Union spy who verbally threatened her and her mother. Her fearless and rebellious nature earned her the nickname ‘La Belle Rebelle’. Through her frequent and intimate fraternizations with Union soldiers she was able to extract valuable and confidential information.
Belle Boyd. Digital image. Wikipedia. N.p., 18 Apr. 2005. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.
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Elizabeth Van Lew
(1818-1900)
Union
Although she was born into an affluent Richmond family, her education in Philadelphia caused her to become an abolitionist and eventually spy for the Union in the Civil War. Disguised as the character of “Crazy Bet”, she helped rescue Union prisoners at the Confederate Libby Prison. Also, she was able to receive information from Confederate authorities who thought she was just a harmless woman.
Elizabeth Van Lew - Civil War Spy. N.d. Graphic. About.com. N. p., Web. 3 Dec 2013.
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Rose O'Neal Greenhow
(1813-1864)
Confederate
A spy for the Confederate army, she helped Confederate leaders obtain information to prepare for the Union advance against Manassas in the First Battle of Bull Run. She was later captured by the Union soldiers and imprisoned with her daughter. Greenhow was released without a trial under the condition that she stay within Confederate boundaries.
Brady, Mathew. Rose O'Neal Greenhow. Digital image. Wikipedia. N.p., 18 Dec. 2006. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.