Dolley Payne Madison America’s “First Lady” 1

Dolley Madison was known as “America’s First Lady” A First Lady is the wife of the United States President or the woman appointed by him to act as his official hostess. 2

Dolley Madison was the first President’s wife to be called a “First Lady.” She was married to James Madison, our 4 th President. 3

Dolley loved to serve ice cream at Montpelier, her home in Orange County, and the President’s House. President Thomas Jefferson shared the recipe with her from France. 4

Dolley Madison was the first “First Lady” to attend a presidential inauguration. 5

Dolley held “Wednesday Drawing Room” parties while her husband was president. Many people came to see Dolley and talk with each other. Everyone loved to be around Dolley. She made everyone feel welcomed. 6

Dolley had many names: First Lady, Lady Presidentess, America’s Queen, Queen of Washington City, Queen Dolley 7

Dolley was a trendsetter. She often wore turbans with feathers. She got many of her dresses from France. Many women wanted to wear dresses like Dolley. 8

Dolley used many American made items to decorate the President’s House, but used French porcelain for special dinners and had a French chef in the kitchen. 9

People loved to watch Dolley feed her green parrot at her window and it is said that she began the Easter Egg Roll that still goes on today. 10

Dolley was the 1 st First Lady to take on a public project. She helped to establish an orphanage for young girls. She gave money to the project, donated a cow to provide the girls with fresh milk, and helped to sew uniforms for the girls. 11

During the War of 1812, Dolley Madison is remembered for saving many important items from the President’s House. 12

Dolley Madison was the 1 st public citizen to send a telegraph message. This honor was given her by inventor, Samuel F. B. Morse on May 24,

After James Madison died, Dolley was given a lifetime seat at the House of Representatives. No other First Lady has been given this honor. 14

. Dolley Madison served as hostess at the President’s House for Thomas Jefferson and for her husband, James Madison. She had this job for 16 years. Her last trip to the White House was with President James Polk. 15

Dolley Madison died on July 12, 1849, at the age of 81. She was given a state funeral by President Zachary Taylor. Her funeral procession was the largest Washington had ever seen. She is buried next to her husband at Montpelier. 16

After Dolley’s death, many companies used Dolley’s name and beautiful picture to sell products. 17

Dolley Madison was honored on two coins from the United States Mint. DOLLEY MADISON COMMEMORATIVE SILVER DOLLAR First Spouse Gold Coins 18

Dolley Madison will always be remembered for her outstanding qualities and achievements. 19