During the Civil War women participated in many different ways. One of the ways that women took part in the war was by becoming spies. Hundreds of women became spies in the war for both the Union and the Confederates. Women who became spies during the war usually gathered information about the oppenents plans, fortifications, troop size, and supplies. Women spies also smuggle goods like medication, ammunition, and weapons. The role of a spy was perfect for women because were trusted easily and seen as non-threating. Although, the role of a spy was dangerous women took part in the job and contributed to the Civil War.
Famous Women Spies
Pauline Cushman
Pauline Cushman was born in New Orleans in June 1833. Cushman was looking for an exciting life and she traveled to New York City to become an actress. During the Civil War Cushman was offered a job as a spy for the Union Army. Cushman took the job and she quickly gained the trust of many Confederate soldiers. Her missions included gathering information about Rebel actions, finding Confederate spies, and acting as a messenger for the Union side. During her work Cushman was caught and almost executed, but was later freed. Cushman died in San Francisco in December 1893.
Belle Boyd
Boyd was born in West Virginia in May 1844. Belle Boyd became a spy for the Confederate side. Boyd's Civil War mission usually invloved exchanging information about the Union and transporting supplies to Confederate troops. Since Boyd became a spy at a young age she was unnoticed by opposing soldiers from the Union. Once the press heard about Boyd's story she became famous. Boyd's fame caused her to be arrested regularly and be held for a short time. Boyd then moved to England where she became an author and an actress. Boyd died in Wisconsin in June 1900.
Elizabeth Van Lew
Elizabeth Van Lew was born in Virginia in October 1818. Van Lew became an abolitionist in Richmond Virginia. Van Lew would often take food and other things to Union officers who were confined at Libby Prison, which was near her home. In 1863 a Union soldier that escaped from Libby Prision with Van Lew's help, told General Benjamin Butler about her and proposed that she would be a good spy for the Union, The general talked to Van Lew and offered her the job, which she accepted. She created her own network for spies and analyzed important information from the South. She acted as a messenger to Union military officers and Van Lew became one of the Union's best spies during the Civil War. Van Lew died in Richmond, Virginia in September 1900.
Sources
"Women Spies in the Civil War." Civil War Saga. N.p., 07 Dec. 2016. Web. 02 Jan. 2017. "5 Women Spies of the Civil War." 5 Women Spies of the Civil War | JocelynGreen.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2017. "Women Spies of the Civil War." Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian Institution, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2017. Moore, Tony. "Belle Boyd." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 29 Aug. 2016. Web. 02 Jan. 2017. Timmons, Greg. "Pauline Cushman." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 20 Apr. 2016. Web. 02 Jan. 2017.