The Witch of Wall Street
15 April 2026
Deep Dive
Hetty Green, better known as the ‘Witch of Wall Street’, may just be one of the most unique and eccentric women you’ve never heard of. After growing her fortune through clever investments during the 1800s in New York City, she became a peer of the likes of Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan…despite the fact she wasn’t even allowed to vote. But rather than celebrating her achievements, the press became fixated on her unusual personality and peculiar lifestyle. So, who was the real person behind the ‘Witch of Wall Street’ moniker? Chyaz explores this fascinating tale...
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Source Shout Outs:
New York Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/1916/07/09/archives/hetty-greens-son-and-heir-trained-by-her-ehr-green-was-trusted-by.html
Financial History Article: https://fhmagazine.org/mag/0907949001668081456/p17
VT Digger Article: https://vtdigger.org/2017/04/30/hetty-green-money-werent-parted/
AllThatsInteresting Article: https://allthatsinteresting.com/hetty-green
Federal Judicial Article: https://www.fjc.gov/history/exhibits/circuit-court-opinions/Robinson-v-Mandell
Smithsonian Magazine Article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/peculiar-story-hetty-green-aka-witch-wall-street-180967258/
Britannica Pieces: https://www.britannica.com/money/Hetty-Green https://www.britannica.com/topic/coverture
English Heritage Article: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/eight-witchcraft-myths/
History Collection Article: https://historycollection.com/18-reasons-one-is-executed-for-witchcraft-during-the-burning-times/
Hetty Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/454798.Hetty
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Themes
- Women's Financial Independence
- Media and Misogyny
- Eccentricity and Legacy
Questions Explored
What is the story of Hetty Green? + −
Hetty Green, known as the 'Witch of Wall Street', was a wealthy investor in the 19th century, known for her frugality and business acumen. Her life story questions societal norms and highlights her unorthodox lifestyle. Chyaz Samuel explores this in Things Are About To Get Weird, Episode 86: The Witch of Wall Street.
Why was Hetty Green called the 'Witch of Wall Street'? + −
Hetty Green was nicknamed the 'Witch of Wall Street' due to her eccentric lifestyle and all-black attire, which fueled public curiosity. This nickname represents societal biases against non-conformist women. The episode Things Are About To Get Weird, Episode 86: The Witch of Wall Street, with Chyaz Samuel, traces the full story.
How did Hetty Green secure financial independence? + −
Hetty Green maintained financial independence by ensuring her husband had no claim over her finances, a rare move during their period. Her insistence challenged the norms of women's financial rights. Chyaz Samuel follows the evidence in Things Are About To Get Weird, Episode 86: The Witch of Wall Street.
What role did Hetty Green play in the Panic of 1907? + −
During the Panic of 1907, Hetty Green played a crucial role by lending large sums to New York City, bailing it out of financial turmoil. Her actions showed the influence she wielded despite societal limitations on women. This is the territory Chyaz Samuel maps in Things Are About To Get Weird, Episode 86: The Witch of Wall Street.
How did Hetty Green's lifestyle reflect her Quaker beliefs? + −
Hetty Green's frugality and simple lifestyle were partially influenced by her Quaker upbringing, valuing simplicity and modesty. This contrasts with the era’s affluent norms, raising intriguing questions about her motivations. Chyaz Samuel explores this in Things Are About To Get Weird, Episode 86: The Witch of Wall Street.
What misconceptions surrounded Hetty Green's character? + −
Misconceptions about Hetty Green's miserly character were often rooted in media sensationalism, while personal accounts described her as kind and generous. Her story invites reflection on past societal prejudices. The episode Things Are About To Get Weird, Episode 86: The Witch of Wall Street, with Chyaz Samuel, traces the full story.