Happy President’s Day! As a day originally celebrated to honor George Washington, it has slowly grown to include the celebration of all our former Presidents. However, society often forgets to mention some of the most influential people in the Oval Office during a presidency: the First Ladies. So, here’s to recognizing some of the most influential First Ladies in US history!
Dolley Madison
Dolley Madison was the wife of James Madison, our fourth president. Not only did she take the title of First Lady during his presidency, but she also stepped in to serve as White House Hostess when Thomas Jefferson’s wife died. She had a great social standing among citizens, and even raised the popularity of her husband because she was so well-liked. Perhaps her most badass moment was when she ran back into the White House as it was being attacked during the War of 1812 to save a portrait of George Washington.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor basically took over the role of President when FDR faced many health difficulties. Not only was she extremely hands-on in government, but she was not afraid to get her hands dirty among Depression-era workers to close the barrier between the wealthy and poor. She was motivated and intelligent, eager to earn the same salary as her husband (which she gave to charity). Not to mention the fact that many historians believe she was bisexual, and had an affair with Lorena Hickok, a reporter with whom she exchanged over 3,300 love letters.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
By far one of the most popular First Ladies, Jackie Kennedy was a socialite and a trendsetter in the fashion world. She had an admirable interest in art and helped establish the National Endowments for the Arts. Her biggest accomplishment was most likely her restoration of the White House during JFK’s presidency.
Betty Ford
Married to 38th President Gerald Ford, Betty Ford was a strong-willed, yet composed First Lady. She was an advocate for the Women’s Movement of the 70’s, was unapologetically pro-choice, and spoke understandingly of marijuana use and premarital sex. Betty Ford was also the first First Lady to undergo a mastectomy and spoke about her breast cancer very publicly in an attempt to end a silent stigma against women’s health.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
By far the most politically involved First Lady, Hillary Clinton was, and still is, dedicated to our country. As First Lady, she advocated for healthcare reform and cared deeply about the foster system and adopted children. Hillary also ran for president herself, in 2012 and 2016. Though she didn’t win, she still made history by being the first United States female presidential candidate nominated by a major party.
Michelle Obama
One of the more recent First Ladies, Michelle was dedicated to end obesity in children by promoting healthy lifestyles, with better food choices and more exercise. She also worked closely with the LGBTQ+ community. Not only was Michelle Obama the first African-American First Lady, but she was also one of the most popular. She became an icon for her grace, astounding intelligence, and style, becoming known for being one of the best-dressed First Ladies.
Honorable Mention:
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
While Elizabeth was never a First Lady, her husband still played a major role in politics during the American Revolution and her accomplishments should not go unnoticed. Her love for children was not unknown, for Eliza had eight of her own and was a foster mother to even more. After Alexander Hamilton’s death, Eliza founded the first private orphanage in New York City in 1806, called the New York Orphan Asylum Society.