Who Knew? The Most Unexpected Stories About Every American First Lady
The role of the First Lady of the United States is a unique and often misunderstood position in American history. Even though they weren’t elected officials, these powerful women have significantly influenced policies and shaped cultures. These incredible ladies have brought something new to the White House. In this article, we will discover the stories and secrets behind their polished public images and talk about the little-known facts.
Beneath the surface, each First Lady has had her own personality, struggles, and surprises. Some were way ahead of their time, breaking social norms, while others hated the spotlight. They are more than graceful and elegant, they managed to push boundaries in a way that shocked the nation and were like secret weapons of history, carefully controlling their husbands’ next moves.
So, if you thought you knew everything about the women behind presidents, get ready to be amazed. Let’s get started!
22 Facts You Didn’t Know About the America’s First Ladies
1. Martha Washington
Mrs. Washington was the first First Lady of the nation and also the first woman to appear on paper currency in the United States. She stayed by her husband’s side during most of the Revolutionary War and was often asked by General George Washington to join him at his winter encampment. What was considered very interesting was that Mr. President sought reimbursement from Congress for her traveling expenses.
2. Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams was one of the most powerful First Ladies, her political knowledge was admired by many who referred to her as ”Mrs. President”.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams became friends shortly after the Revolutionary War when they were sent to Europe. Abigail Adams had sweet correspondence with both of them. So, even though John and Abigail Adam’s love letters are world-famous, we can’t just ignore her letters to Jefferson, right?
3. Dolley Madison
Dolley Madison transformed ice cream into a regular dessert at the end of White House dinners. She was one of the nicest First Ladies and cared a lot about her country and its history. She is known for saving a rare painting of George Washington before the British troops attacked the White House in 1814.
4. Louisa Adams
Louisa Adams grew up in London and had a lot of hobbies. She knew how to play the harp, and write satirical plays, and she was even good at raising silkworms.
She was the first First Lady to be born in a foreign country.
5. Anna Harrison
Mrs. Harrison had the shortest career as a first lady, She never even saw the inside of the famous White House. Her husband passed away about a month after he was elected as president and at that time, Mrs, Harrison was too ill to join him.
6. Julia Tyler
She was John Tyler’s second wife and she was the one to introduce the polka dance to Washington ballrooms. Julia Tyler was also known to drive a coach of Arabian horses around the D.C. area.
7. Sarah Polk
She was known as ”Sahara Sarah”, being the one who banned liquor in the White House. What do you think about her move? Can it be considered a smart one?
8. Margaret ”Peggy” Taylor
Margaret Taylor was an army wife, she learned how to shoot a gun on the Western frontier. It was one of the most famous places across the United States where Taylor was stationed.
9. Abigail Fillmore
Abigail Fillmore was a truly special First Lady, being the one who funded the White House library. She loved to read and learn.
Today, the library holds more than 2 million books. Isn’t that impressive?
10. Jane Pierce
Jane Pierce didn’t want to become a First Lady. It is believed that she prayed every night for her husband and she wanted from all her heart for him to lose the presidential election.
11. Eliza Johnson
She was born in Tennessee and was determined not to trade her southern roots for East Coast prompt. Even though she moved to Washington, she also brought some of the Tennessee vibes with her, so she brought cows to the White House.
12. Julia Grant
Julia Grant saved her husband’s life, on the night of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. She didn’t trust the man who delivered their invitations, so she did her best to convince her husband to visit their children in New York and avoid any problems.
13. Edith Roosevelt
Mrs. Roosevelt became incredibly popular for being against Prohibition, she always wanted cocktails to be served at her parties in the White House.
14. Eleanor Roosevelt
In 1933, Eleanor Roosevelt became the first First Lady to fly in an airplane. She flew with Amelia Earhart, a famed aviator, and other important guests. They snuck out of the White House commandeered an airplane near Hoover Field and spent hours flying and having a great time over Baltimore.
The most interesting part is that Amelia Earhart even promised to give Mrs. Roosevelt flying lessons. What a brave First Lady!
15. Jacqueline Kennedy
Jacqueline Kennedy won an Emmy award back in 1962. The prize was for her televised tour of the White House. She spent more than $50,000 in renovations. The equivalent of the amount is about $400,000 today.
16. Pat Nixon
Pat Nixon became popular for being a rebel against convention. She was the first First Lady who wore pants in public.
Shw was the one who made the White House more accessible to the public. She added 600 paintings and antiques to the collections.
Pat Nixon was also known as a huge supporter of women’s rights to equality. She is considered the first First Lasy to publicly support the Equal Rights Amendment.
17. Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter was called ”the second most powerful person in the United States” because she always stood by her husband’s side, even in the most private and important meetings.
An interesting thing about Mrs. Carter is that she used to make her daughter Amy’s clothes. She stopped sewing once she needed to move into the Governo’s Mansion. She didn’t have time anymore to do it.
Rosalynn Carter and her husband first met when he was just 3 years old.
18. Nancy Reagan
Before becoming a First Lady, Nancy Reagan played in films. Some of the most popular are: The Next Voice You Hear, Donovan’s Brain, and the Academy Award-nominated documentary The Dark Wave.
It’s essential to mention that the reason why she is not easy to find in the credits of these movies is because she went by the stage with the name ”Nancy Davis”.
19. Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton is the First Lady who actively ran for the Presidency herself. She is also the first First Lady to hold an elected position in public office. She served as Senator for New York and her political knowledge can’t be overlooked.
An information that not a lot of people know is that Hillary Clinton is the only First Lady who won a Grammy Award. She won the prize for her best-selling book called It Takes a Village and Other Lessons Children Teach Us.
20. Laura Bush
When she married George W. Bush she wanted him to promise that she would never have to make a campaign speech. Even though Mr. President agreed, she rapidly became an avid campaigner. One of her most famous speeches took place at the Republican National Convention in June 2000.
21. Michelle Obama
Did you know that Michelle Obama is tied with Eleanor Roosevelt? They are known as being the tallest of the First Ladies.
Michelle Obama pursued sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University and graduated in 1985. She also earned a law degree from Harvard. Michelle Obama was, by far, one of the most loved American First Ladies of all time.
22. Melania Trump
Even though we all know Melania speaks her native language, which is Slovenian, not many people know that she also speaks English, French, Serbian, and German. She is the second First Lady to have been born in another country.
One thing about Melania Trump is that despite her glamorous lifestyle, she does her best when it comes to raising her son Barron. She never used a nanny. Here’s what she said in 2016: “I have a chef, and I have my assistant, and that’s it. I do it myself. You know, those hours with your child are really important ones.”
Are you interested in learning more about the actual American politics? You should also read about Barron Trump: Who Is Barron Trump? What to Know About Donald Trump’s Youngest Child
