Gerri Willis Interview Episode 587

History often remembers generals and presidents, but what about the spies who worked in the shadows? In this episode, I speak with journalist and author Gerri Willis about her new book Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster: The Untold Story of the Abolitionist Southern Belle Who Helped Win the Civil War.

Gerri uncovers the incredible life of Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond-born abolitionist who used her privilege, intelligence, and courage to run a Union spy network deep in Confederate territory. We discuss Van Lew’s daring missions, the hidden world of Civil War espionage, and why her story remained untold for so long.