Dolley Madison

Dolley Madison was considered the first First Lady of the United States. Even before her husband James Madison took office, Dolley was White House hostess for the widowed Thomas Jefferson. Known for her personality and style, she hosted dinners and gatherings in a White House that she decorated. She held the nation's first Inaugural Ball. She convinced her husband to start inviting members of Congress from both political parties to social events. During the War of 1812, when the...
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Dolley Madison was considered the first First Lady of the United States. Even before her husband James Madison took office, Dolley was White House hostess for the widowed Thomas Jefferson. Known for her personality and style, she hosted dinners and gatherings in a White House that she decorated. She held the nation's first Inaugural Ball. She convinced her husband to start inviting members of Congress from both political parties to social events. During the War of 1812, when the British advanced to burn Washington, she stayed long enough to rescue a portrait of George Washington. When the British left, she helped convince the nation to rebuild its capital in Washington. Find out how this first First Lady defined the role for future women to follow.