The American Civil War is often remembered through the stories of battlefield generals, political speeches, and landmark victories. But behind the front lines, a different kind of heroism unfolded one driven by courage, secrecy, and sacrifice. Among the most remarkable of these stories are those of Sarah Edmonds and Pauline Cushman, two women who risked their lives by operating as spies for the Union.

Their contributions were not just daring; they were pivotal. In a time when women were largely excluded from military service, these two defied expectations and helped shape the outcome of a divided nation.

Sarah Edmonds: The Soldier in Disguise

Born in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1841, Sarah Edmonds was a determined and independent young woman. She fled an arranged marriage and eventually made her way to the United States. When the Civil War broke out, she was determined to help the Union cause but knew she could not do so as a woman.

So she reinvented herself.

Disguising herself as a man named Franklin Thompson, Edmonds enlisted in the Union Army in 1861. She served in the 2nd Michigan Infantry and took on various roles, including field nurse, courier, and, most notably, spy.

To gather intelligence behind Confederate lines, Edmonds adopted multiple disguises sometimes as a Black man, other times as an Irish peddler woman. Her ability to transform herself made her one of the most successful undercover agents of the war. She infiltrated enemy territory, delivered critical information, and avoided suspicion for years.

Despite the constant threat of exposure, she remained undetected until she contracted malaria and was forced to abandon her post rather than reveal her true identity during treatment. Years later, her service was officially recognized, and she became one of the few women to receive a military pension for work done during the war.

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Spys during the American Civil Wa

Pauline Cushman: Actress Turned Union Spy

Pauline Cushman’s path to espionage was no less dramatic. A professional stage actress, she used her charm and theatrical skills to her advantage when she joined the Union spy network. Born in New Orleans in 1833, Cushman performed across the country before offering her services to the Union Army.

Under the guise of loyalty to the Confederacy, Cushman began gathering information while traveling through Southern states. She attended Confederate social events, where she befriended officers and eavesdropped on conversations. Often, she smuggled documents and maps hidden in her boots or under her clothing.

Her double life nearly cost her everything. In 1864, Cushman was captured by Confederate forces and sentenced to death for espionage. Fortunately, advancing Union troops forced her captors to flee, sparing her life. After the war, she was hailed as a national heroine. She toured the country, telling her story and promoting patriotism, though she later struggled with poverty and illness.

Despite her tragic final years, Cushman’s bravery and sacrifice remain a testament to the role women played in shaping American history.

Changing the Narrative of War

The stories of Sarah Edmonds and Pauline Cushman challenge the traditional image of Civil War soldiers and spies. These women proved that courage knows no gender. They worked in silence, often alone, always under threat of death, not for recognition but for country and cause.

They paved the way for future generations of women in military service and intelligence work, and today their names are remembered not just as curiosities, but as key figures in the fight to preserve the Union.

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Sarah Edmonds: The Woman Who Went to War Disguised as a Man

Honoring Their Legacy

In recent years, historians have brought renewed attention to the contributions of women during the Civil War. Edmonds and Cushman stand out as early pioneers of espionage and battlefield support. Their legacies are preserved in museums, books, and educational programs across the country.

They remind us that history is often shaped by those behind the scenes those who disguise themselves, cross enemy lines, and make sacrifices few will ever fully understand.