Tag Archives: First Ladies

The Madisons: His Hat and Her Cushion

The War of 1812 was seminal for James and Dolley Madison. The Unlikely Commander-in-Chief James Madison (1751-1836) was one of the most unwarlike men to serve as President of the United States, and thus Commander-in-Chief of the military. Following in … Continue reading

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Julia Tyler and the Princeton Tragedy

The freakish tragedy on the USS Princeton in 1844 claimed dozens of deaths and injuries. The Pride of the Navy It had become a fact of government: a strong, well trained and well equipped fleet is essential to maintaining peace … Continue reading

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James Monroe, The Decorator

Nothing in James Monroe’s upbringing indicated his latent taste in the decorative arts. JM: Orphaned Boy James Monroe (1758-1831), Virginia born to a middle class planting family, was orphaned by the time he was 16. Into that parentless breach stepped … Continue reading

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Abigail Adams: Tea With the General

Mrs. A. The Outspoken Most historians concur that Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818) was a woman far ahead of her time. Born to a Congregationalist minister and his better-pedigreed wife, the Smiths were well regarded and middle class; certainly not wealthy … Continue reading

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The Death of Jack Custis

Martha’s Kids In 1750, eighteen year old Martha Dandridge married Daniel Parke Custis, twice her age, and one of the wealthiest planters in Virginia. They had sincerely liked each other, and the marriage was happy for seven years. Then Daniel … Continue reading

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Grant’s Tomb: A NY Icon

The Civil War could have been fought 3x over in the time it took for Grant’s Tomb to be erected. We Love New York Choosing New York City to be the site of Grant’s final resting place was not difficult. … Continue reading

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General Ike’s Last Mission

But The General’s Health… …was not very good. He had suffered a few aches and pains and illnesses during his first six decades. But they were nothing out of the ordinary for a man his age, and with the great … Continue reading

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Julia Grant’s Bad Hat Story

Julia, The Plain Child Julia Dent (1826-1902) was the fourth of eight children (one died in infancy) born to Frederick W. Dent and Ellen Bray Wrenshall. Four boys and four girls. In that order. Colonel Dent (an honorary title) was … Continue reading

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Dolley Madison: Decorating the White House

Dolley Madison was 41 years old when she became First Lady in 1809… But… For eight years prior to 1809, she served frequently as de facto FLOTUS for President Thomas Jefferson, a widower. Even prior to the Jefferson Administration, Dolley … Continue reading

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The First Burial of Willie Lincoln

Willie Lincoln was 11 when he died in the White House. Willie. In December, 1850, ten months after his sickly four year old brother Edward Baker Lincoln died, William Wallace Lincoln was born. He was the third son born to … Continue reading

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