About Van Dorn’s Wife

Margaret Caroline Hill Van Dorn was the wife of Confederate General Earl Van Dorn during the American Civil War. She was born in Tennessee in 1820 to a wealthy and prominent family and was known for her beauty and charm. Unlike her husband, there is not a known picture or painting of her.

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Margaret and Earl were married in 1844, and their union was considered a love match as well as a union of two prominent Southern families. Despite her husband’s military career, Margaret remained a devoted homemaker and was actively involved in charitable work, including working as a nurse and providing aid to wounded soldiers.

Margaret was a staunch supporter of the Confederate cause, and her home became a hub of activity for Confederate officers and their families. She often entertained guests and hosted events to raise morale and support for the Confederate cause. Margaret also provided aid to soldiers and their families, and her home was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the war.

Despite the hardships and uncertainties of war, Margaret remained devoted to her husband and their five children. However, her life was forever changed in 1863, when Earl was killed by a jealous husband in a personal matter. Margaret was devastated by her husband’s death and struggled to make ends meet in the aftermath of the war. She eventually moved to Texas and lived there for the rest of her life, working as a schoolteacher to support herself and her children.

Margaret Caroline Hill Van Dorn was a remarkable woman who, despite the challenges and uncertainties of war, remained dedicated to her family, her home, and her cause. She was a symbol of Southern charm and grace and was remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and Confederate supporter.

Despite the hardships and uncertainties of war, Margaret remained devoted to her husband and their five children. However, her life was forever changed in 1863, when General Earl Van Dorn was assasinated by a jealous husband named Dr. George Peters and his (Van Dorn’s) affair with Jessie Peters was made public.

Margaret was devastated by her husband’s death. She struggled to make ends meet in the aftermath of the war. She eventually moved to Texas and lived there for the rest of her life, working as a schoolteacher to support herself and her children.

Margaret Caroline Hill Van Dorn was a remarkable woman who, despite the challenges and uncertainties of war, remained dedicated to her family, her home, and her cause. She was a symbol of Southern charm and grace and was remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and Confederate supporter.