Marguerite Harrison: The Socialite Spy

In this installment of ‘Profiles in History,’ we meet a wealthy young socialite who responds to tragedy with daring and adventure.
Marguerite Harrison: The Socialite Spy
Marguerite Harrison in a scene from the film "Grass," filmed while on a trip to the Middle East. Public Domain
Dustin Bass
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Born in Baltimore to wealthy socialite parents, Marguerite Harrison (1879–1967) was raised to become a socialite herself. Much of her upbringing was spent traveling Europe with her parents, Bernard Baker, a shipping magnate, and Elizabeth Baker. The opportunity to travel extensively abroad had lasting benefits for her future and unexpected career.

She attended St. Timothy’s School in Catonsville, Maryland, and then later, for a short time, Radcliffe College. Her true education, however, came through experience. During her time overseas, she learned to speak French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Through her experiences, she developed a love of history, and, through her prim and proper upbringing, she learned the art of social critique. Armed with her natural beauty and charm, she utilized these lessons, not only for herself, but also for other women of the age and for her country’s national security.

Dustin Bass
Dustin Bass
Author
Dustin Bass is the creator and host of the American Tales podcast, and co-founder of The Sons of History. He writes two weekly series for The Epoch Times: Profiles in History and This Week in History. He is also an author.