Rose Greenhow was a renowned Confederate spy during the American Civil War. Born in Montgomery County, Maryland, in 1817, she became a prominent socialite in Washington, D.C., which later enabled her espionage activities.
Greenhow used her social connections to gather information about the Union’s plans and strategies. One of her significant achievements was passing critical intelligence to General Beauregard about the Union’s plan to attack Manassas Junction. This intelligence played a considerable role in the Confederate’s victory in the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861.
Another example of her espionage activities was when she managed to cipher a vital message to Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard, which contained information about the Union Army’s movements.
The consequence of her spying was severe. She was arrested in 1861 and was put under house arrest by Allan Pinkerton, the head of the recently formed Secret Service. Later, she was exiled to Baltimore in 1862, and then she fled to Europe to garner support for the Confederacy. Unfortunately, she drowned in 1864 off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, while trying to evade a Union boat blockade with her confidential dispatches.
Key Takeaways
- Rose Greenhow was a notable Confederate spy during the American Civil War.
- She used her social connections in Washington D.C. to gather intel on Union’s plans.
- Her critical intelligence led to the Confederate victory in the First Battle of Bull Run.
- She was arrested and exiled due to her spying activities and later drowned while trying to avoid a Union blockade.
Related Questions
1. Who arrested Rose Greenhow?
It was Allan Pinkerton, the then leader of the newly formed Secret Service, who arrested Rose Greenhow.
2. How did Rose Greenhow die?
Rose Greenhow died by drowning in 1864. She was trying to avoid a Union boat blockade off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, when her boat capsized.
3. What Battle did Rose Greenhow’s intelligence significantly influence?
The intelligence provided by Greenhow significantly impacted the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861, leading to a Confederate victory.
4. Was Rose Greenhow ever punished for her actions?
Yes, following her arrest in 1861, she was placed under house arrest and later exiled to Baltimore in 1862.
5. Where did Rose Greenhow go after being exiled?
After her exile, Rose Greenhow went to Europe to garner support for the Confederacy.