The Colonial First Ladies: The Missus Washington, Adams, and Madison

The first three First Ladies were born decades long before the United States became “states”. As mature women, married to arguably the most prominent men of their generation, they became political figures whether they liked it or not. All three were among the most consequential First Ladies in American history. Martha Dandridge Washington, the quintessential domestic lady, gladly went wherever her husband asked - including regular sojourns encamped with the army during wartime. She also spent eight years in New York and Philadelphia, supervising comfort in the then-executive mansions, setting the tone for the office itself. Abigail Smith Adams, the brilliant and intellectual lady, endured long separations from her politically and diplomatically active husband, survived a harrowing ocean voyage and awakened to a European sophistication she could never have imagined. Her intelligence and insights set a benchmark for what a First Lady could achieve. Dolley Payne Madison, the delightful and socially talented lady, became the most famous American woman of her time. She lifted her reticent and intellectual husband to a prominence he might never have achieved alone. She put the role on the map forever. In their own ways, they are our collective national great-grandmothers, deserving of our admiration and affection. Treasure them.