Civil War Secrets: Rose Greenhow

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Welcome to the final Related Lesson in our series on female spies of the Civil War!

Some women, such as Rose Greenhow, faced imprisonment and even death to provide Civil War leaders with information they hoped would bring victory to their side.

Take a moment to reflect on the convictions or ideals that matter to you most.

• Would you be willing to go to prison in order to protect those ideals?
• Would you be willing to risk your life for them?
• What if you had a child who would also be in jeopardy because of your actions? Would that impact what you would be willing to do?

These are the questions Rose O’Neal Greenhow wrestled with during her years as a Confederate spy. A staunch supporter of the South, Rose was willing to sacrifice everything she had to relay information about the Union army to southern military leaders.

Although it cost her dearly, she continued to work for the goals of the South until her death by drowning in 1864.

Rose was undoubtedly loyal to the South and its cause. However, her status as a socialite allowed her to maintain friendships on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. It was her social status and connections on the Union side that ultimately gained her access to information.

Learn about espionage during the Civil War as you read Spying in the Civil War to get a better understanding of her capacity as a spy.

Now that you've been introduced to this brave woman, continue on to the Got It? section to further examine her story.