First Lady Biographies

First Lady, diplomat, and activist, Eleanor Roosevelt dedicated her life in the cause of civil liberties and human rights.

Julia Dent Grant was the loving wife of Ulysses S. Grant and caring mother to their four children. She was also a widely-respected First Lady who was the first to write a personal memoir about her life.

Rosalynn Carter was a first lady on the brink of social change. After the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, societal distrust in political positions like the presidency was high. However, the Carters ran a campaign using things that appealed to the country in a time of change and distrust. Jimmy Carter pledged to citizens that he would bring a sense of normalcy and morality back into the presidential office. Part of the reason he was so convincing was because of Rosalynn

Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt was the second wife of President Theodore Roosevelt and the First Lady of the United States from 1901 to 1909. Her tenure at the White House resulted in the creation of an official staff, including the first full-time salaried Social Secretary.

Mamie Eisenhower, first lady of the United States, socialite, and devoted wife of Dwight D. Eisenhower, supporter her husband throughout his military and political career, often remarking that "Ike was my career."

Dolley Madison is fondly remembered as a gracious hostess and the brave savior of priceless White House artifacts before its burning in 1814. But more importantly, she helped define the political and social role of a first lady.

Abigail Adams (1744-1818) is known for her role as First Lady during the presidency of John Adams. In addition to being the wife of the second president, she was also the mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. She was one of the first advocates of women’s equal education and women’s property rights.

Herbert Hoover's journey along what he called the "slippery road of public life" was not traveled alone. At his side was his wife, Lou.

Lucretia Rudolph Garfield would become First Lady in 1881 when her husband was sworn in as 20th President of the United States. Learn more about this incredible woman that rangers and volunteers talk about at James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Part 2 is also available.

Helen "Nellie" Herron Taft's dream of becoming First Lady propelled her husband William Howard Taft into running for the presidency. For her part, she was a lady of "firsts," and was among the first First Ladies to transform the role into the significant one it is today.