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Elizabeth Van Lew (October 12, 1818 – September 25, 1900) was an American abolitionist and philanthropist who built and operated an extensive spy ring for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Many false claims continue to be made about her life.
May 4, 2011 · Learn how Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond socialite and abolitionist, defied the Confederacy and helped the Union during the Civil War. She nursed prisoners, sent intelligence, ran a spy network and faced threats and betrayal.
- Cate Lineberry
Apr 24, 2024 · Elizabeth L. Van Lew (born Oct. 17, 1818, Richmond, Va., U.S.—died Sept. 25, 1900, Richmond) was an American Civil War agent who, through clever planning and by feigning mental affliction, managed to gather important intelligence for the Union.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Learn about Elizabeth Van Lew, a Union spy and abolitionist who helped prisoners and slaves during the Civil War. Discover her life, achievements, and legacy as a postmaster and a women's rights advocate.
Learn how Elizabeth Van Lew, a pro-Union abolitionist, operated a sophisticated espionage ring in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia during the Civil War. Discover how she helped hundreds of Union prisoners escape, supplied intelligence to General Grant, and became the Postmaster of Richmond after the war.
May 3, 2024 · Learn about Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond woman who spied for the Union during the Civil War and helped free prisoners of war. Discover her life, achievements, and controversies in this comprehensive biography.
Apr 23, 2018 · Learn how Elizabeth Van Lew, a wealthy Richmond woman who freed her enslaved workers, became a spy for the Union during the Civil War. She recruited Mary Bowser, a formerly enslaved woman who worked as a servant in the Confederate White House, to gather intelligence for her.
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