Where did the name hooker come from for prostitutes?

The term "hooker" is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century, possibly linked to a group of soldiers known as "Hooker's Brigade" during the American Civil War, led by General Joseph Hooker. His troops were notorious for visiting brothels, and the association between the general's name and the profession may have led to the term being adopted. Another theory suggests it comes from the practice of "hooking" clients. Over time, the term became widely used to refer to prostitutes.