Richmond’s most notorious belle had everything to lose and chose to risk it all.
Elizabeth Van Lew possessed wealth, status, and the finest mansion on Church Hill. Beneath her silk gowns and gracious manners burned a dangerous secret: she despised everything the Confederacy represented. So she became their worst nightmare.
Right under the noses of Confederate leadership, Elizabeth transformed from Southern socialite into Lincoln’s most valuable spy. Her story reveals the courage of a woman who sacrificed everything for freedom, building an underground network that would help determine the war’s outcome.
Her daring exploits included:
Infiltrating the Confederate White House through her agent Mary Jane RichardsRunning an Underground Railroad from her mansionCoordinating prison breakouts that stunned Confederate authoritiesStealing military secrets from Jefferson Davis’s inner circleSupplying General Grant with intelligence that shaped his final campaignElizabeth’s network included escaped slaves, Union prisoners, German immigrants, and Confederate mothers—all united by her vision of a nation without slavery. Her agents penetrated the highest levels of government while she maintained her facade as an eccentric spinster.
The risks were enormous. Discovery meant execution. Neighbors became enemies. Her own family turned against her. Yet Elizabeth persevered, knowing every secret she stole brought Union victory closer.
From midnight escapes to elaborate deceptions, her war was fought in drawing rooms, alleys, prisons, and executive mansions. Her courage helped topple a government and free a people.
Fearless Elizabeth Van Lew resurrects the forgotten heroine who helped save the Union—a woman whose bravery proves one person’s courage can change the world.
