America's First Ladies from Most to Least Beloved
Have you ever stopped to think about the immense influence carried by the women who’ve held the prestigious title of First Lady in the United States? While they’re often seen as just the President’s wives, they actually wielded considerable social influence that reached far beyond their ceremonial duties. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous (and perhaps not-so-famous) First Ladies of the US!
1. Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt stepped into the role of First Lady of the United States when her husband, Franklin Roosevelt, took office as President in 1933. Throughout her tenure from 1933 to 1945, Eleanor passionately championed civil rights and humanitarian causes, even amid the challenges of wartime. Her writings during this period solidified her reputation as one of the most impactful First Ladies in history.
2. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Frequently known as Jackie O, Jacqueline Kennedy captivated the nation with her grace and distinctive fashion sense during her tenure as First Lady from 1961 to 1963. Her efforts to restore the White House and promote the arts left an indelible mark. However, following the devastating assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Jackie and her children largely retreated from the public eye.
3. Michelle Obama 
Michelle Obama, wife of the 44th President Barack Obama, held the position of First Lady from 2009 to 2017 and quickly became one of the most beloved figures in the role. As the first African-American woman to serve as First Lady, her grace, intelligence, and dedication to health and education initiatives won the nation’s admiration. From her ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign targeting childhood obesity to her powerful speeches advocating for higher education, Michelle Obama has left an enduring legacy as a public figure.
4. Barbara Bush
Barbara Bush, known for her wit and warmth, was a beloved figure during her time as First Lady from 1989 to 1993. She was the wife of the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush. Her dedication to family literacy and promoting a love for reading among children were evident in the duration of her tenure. Barbara’s down-to-earth demeanor and commitment to service endeared her to the American public. Interestingly, she was also recognized for her warm grandmotherly image.
5. Betty Ford
Betty Ford’s was the First Lady from 1974 to 1977, as the wife of President Gerald Ford. She was widely popular for her candidness and courage in openly addressing her struggles with addiction and breast cancer, thereby creating a fresh avenue for discussions around women’s health. Ford also raised awareness about these issues, breaking down stigmas and advocating for greater access to treatment. Betty’s openness and authenticity resonated with many American women, earning her widespread admiration and respect.
6. Laura Bush
Laura Bush was the First Lady from 2001 to 2009, after her husband George W. Bush took the position of the President. Her focus on education and literacy initiatives, such as the National Book Festival, reflected her passion for learning and knowledge. Another of her signature issues were those relating to the health and well-being of women. Bush established the Women’s Health and Wellness Initiative and became involved with two major campaigns in the duration of her tenure.
7. Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams, wife of the second president, John Adams, was a formidable intellect and influential advisor to her husband. She was the First Lady of America from 1797 to 1801. Her correspondence sheds light on the early days of the nation and her advocacy for women’s rights and education was ahead of its time. Abigail Adams along with Barbara Bush is one of the only two women to have been married to U.S. presidents and also subsequently to have been the mothers of other U.S. presidents.
8. Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton, known for her intellect and advocacy work, was the First Lady of America from 1993 to 2001 after her husband Bill Clinton became the president. She faced both praise and criticism during her time as First Lady. Her efforts to reform healthcare and champion women’s rights sparked national debate and controversy. Despite facing political challenges, Hillary’s resilience and dedication to public service earned her respect and admiration from many Americans.
9. Dolley Madison
Dolley Madison, known for her social grace and charm, played a significant role in shaping the early social and political landscape of the United States. She was the First Lady from 1809 to 1817, as the wife of fourth president, James Madison. Her legendary parties at the White House fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among political rivals. Dolley’s warmth and hospitality made her a beloved figure in the Washington society. Her social skills and bravery during the War of 1812 made her a national treasure. Madison’s efforts to preserve historical artifacts set an important precedent for her successors.
10. Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter, a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness, used her platform as First Lady from 1977 to 1981 to raise awareness about mental illness and reduce stigma. Her involvement in policy discussions and support for her husband, President Jimmy Carter, made her a respected figure in American politics. Rosalynn’s sincerity and commitment to social causes endeared her to many Americans.
11. Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan was the First Lady of America from 1891 to 1989. With her “Just Say No” campaign, she became a prominent figure in the fight against drug abuse among youth. Her unwavering support for her husband, President Ronald Reagan, and her dedication to various causes such as Alzheimer’s disease awareness endeared her to the American public.
12. Pat Nixon 
Pat Nixon, known for her grace and dignity, served as First Lady from 1969 to 1974. Her tenure is often characterized as a turbulent period in American politics, featuring historical events like the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Despite facing several personal and political challenges, she remained steadfast in her support for her husband, President Richard Nixon. Pat Nixon believed that the role of the First Lady should consistently demonstrate exemplary moral standards as a representation of dignity, yet she declined to indulge in the privileges associated with the position.
13. Edith Wilson
Edith Wilson served her role as the First Lady from 1915 to 1921. She is often referred to as the “Secret President” and assumed a significant role in governing the country following her husband Woodrow Wilson’s stroke. Her assertiveness and management of presidential affairs during a time of crisis earned her both praise and criticism. Edith’s role as the de facto president during Woodrow Wilson’s illness remains controversial to date.
14. Grace Coolidge 
Grace Coolidge, with her charm and simplicity, brought a sense of warmth to the White House during the Roaring Twenties. She was the wife of the 30th president, Calvin Coolidge and was the First Lady of the US from 1923 to 1929. Her support for various charitable causes, including the Red Cross and the deaf community, made the American public adore her.
15. Lady Bird Johnson
Lady Bird Johnson, wife of the 36th President, Lyndon B. Johnson, is remembered as a First Lady of grace and environmental advocacy from 1963 to 1969. During her tenure, she spearheaded the beautification projects that aimed to enhance America’s urban and rural landscapes. Her commitment to conservation and preserving natural beauty made an enduring impact on the nation’s approach to several environmental issues.
16. Louisa Adams 
Louisa Adams, the only First Lady born outside of the United States, brought a cosmopolitan flair to the White House from 1825 to 1829. Her intelligence and fluency in multiple languages made her a respected diplomat and advisor to her husband, President John Quincy Adams. Louisa’s cultural sophistication and diplomatic skills endeared her to both American and European citizens.
17. Julia Grant
Julia Grant served her position as the First Lady of the US from 1869 to 1877, as the wife of President Ulysses S. Grant. Julia Grant’s graciousness and hospitality at the White House helped heal divisions and fostered reconciliation. Her warmth and kindness endeared her to both Union and Confederate veterans, earning her widespread admiration.
18. Lucy Hayes
Lucy Hayes took over the position of the First Lady from 1877 to 1881. She was known as “Lemonade Lucy” for her staunch support of the temperance movement which left a lasting impact during her husband Rutherford B. Hayes’s presidency. Her advocacy for women’s rights and education reform showcased her progressive ideals. Despite the limitations of her time, she championed for societal change and served as a role model for future generations of First Ladies.
19. Elizabeth Monroe 
Elizabeth Monroe, the wife of President James Monroe was the First Lady from 1817 to 1825. Elizabeth played a pivotal role in promoting American arts and culture, hosting numerous events that celebrated the nation’s heritage and creativity. Her support for women’s education initiatives also marked her as a forward-thinking advocate for societal progress.
20. Frances Cleveland
Frances Cleveland, the wife of President Grover Cleveland, made waves in American society during two non-consecutive terms as First Lady, that is, first from 1886 to 1889 and then from 1893 to 1897. Known for her youthful charm and grace, she captivated the nation’s attention from the moment she entered the White House. Frances’s advocacy for social causes, including child welfare and education, highlighted her commitment to the well-being of the nation’s youth.
21. Ida McKinley
Ida McKinley’s gentle demeanor and devotion to her husband, President William McKinley, made her a beloved figure during her time as First Lady, from 1897 to 1901. Her advocacy for veterans’ rights and support for the arts left a lasting impact. Ida’s compassion and kindness endeared her to both the public and political figures of her era.
22. Florence Harding
Florence Harding, wife of President Warren G. Harding, was the First Lady from 1921 to 1923. Her keen interest in women’s rights and advocacy reflected her progressive views. Despite her involvement in controversies surrounding her husband’s presidency, including the Teapot Dome scandal, Florence’s dedication to public service and her efforts to modernize the role of First Lady were not overlooked through history.
23. Sarah Polk
Sarah Polk, wife of President James K. Polk, served as the First Lady from 1845 to 1849. Despite maintaining a relatively low public profile, she was a trusted advisor and confidante to President Polk, often influencing his decisions on matters of state. While her tenure as First Lady was cut short by her husband’s untimely death, Sarah’s impact on the presidency and her role in advancing her husband’s agenda are widely recognized.
24. Helen Taft
Helen Taft, wife of President William Howard Taft, was in the position of the First Lady from 1909 to 1913. With her keen intellect and strong sense of purpose, she actively supported women’s suffrage and advocated for better working conditions for laborers. Despite the challenges of her time, including her husband’s strained relationship with the press, Helen’s dignified presence and commitment to social justice continue to inspire generations of Americans.
25. Eliza Johnson
Eliza Johnson, wife of President Andrew Johnson, was the First Lady of America from 1865 to 1869. She navigated the turbulent waters of the post-Civil War era with grace and resilience. She was the youngest First Lady in history when she took the position at the age of 16. Eliza Johnson had always been a strong influence for her husband and was an ally to him throughout his political life. Although her time as First Lady was overshadowed by the challenges of the Reconstruction Era and her husband’s impeachment trial, she stood strong against everything that came her way.
26. Caroline Harrison
Caroline Harrison, wife of President Benjamin Harrison, left an indelible mark as a First Lady dedicated to advancing education and cultural enrichment, from her time in the position of First Lady from 1889 until her death. A highly educated woman ahead of her time, Caroline was a passionate advocate for women’s education and played a pivotal role in the founding of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
27. Jane Pierce
Jane Pierce took over the chair of First Lady from 1853 to 1857, after her husband Franklin Pierce became the President. Her steadfast support for her husband during his presidency, marked by the onset of the Civil War, was testament to her strength and resilience. While Pierce supported her husband in his role as the President, she was highly religious in her beliefs and remained highly deceptive of her husband’s political aspirations.
28. Anna Harrison
Anna Harrison, wife of President William Henry Harrison, exemplified resilience and grace during her brief tenure as First Lady for only a month, from March 4, 1841 to April 4, 1841. Her husband died of Pneumonia shortly after his term began. She was unhappy on her husband’s indulgence in politics and being a president. She was the oldest woman to be the First Lady, that is, at the age of 65.
29. Letitia Tyler
Letitia Tyler, wife of President John Tyler, exemplified quiet strength and dignity during her time as First Lady from 1841 to 1842. Despite her miserable health conditions, she made sure that the duties of First Lady were carried out flawlessly by delegating them to her daughter and daughter-in-law. Tyler also played the role of advisor for her husband’s political aspirations and was fluent enough in stately matters to hold discussions with diplomatic visitors.
30. Martha Washington 
Martha Washington, wife of President George Washington, played a pivotal role in shaping the early presidency and setting the standard for future First Ladies. She served her term from 1789 to 1797. Martha’s contributions to the fledgling nation extended beyond her role as hostess of the White House, as she actively participated in charitable endeavors for soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Despite the challenges she faced, including the loss of two children and the demands of public life, Martha’s steadfast devotion to her family and her country left an enduring legacy of strength and leadership.
So, there it is! These are some of the most famous First Ladies who helped build America and set important precedents for their successors.