Dolley Madison
Dolley Madison (1768-1849) was an American first lady (1809-1817) and the wife of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. She embraced the role of First Lady and set the bar for all future First Ladies.
First Lady
May 20, 1768
Taurus
July 12, 1849
81
Piedmont, North Carolina
Dolley Madison (1768-1849) was an American first lady (1809-1817) who was married to James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. She is widely remembered as one of the most vibrant early First Ladies and is credited with defining the role as it is known today. Dolley Madison is best known for her efforts to preserve and protect the White House during the War of 1812 and for playing a significant role in establishing Washington, D.C. as a center of political and social life. Additionally, she founded the Washington City Orphan Asylum and contributed to the establishment of the Episcopal Church in America. Dolley Madison was the first president’s wife to be photographed while still in the White House, with these images being the only photographs we have of a first lady from her era. Notably, she embraced the role of First Lady, setting a standard for all future First Ladies.