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
th
James Madison, our 4 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 1st 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
st
1
Dolley Madison was the public
citizen to send a telegraph
message. This honor was given her
by inventor, Samuel F. B. Morse on
May 24, 1844.
13
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
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Dolley
Madison will
always be
remembered
for her
outstanding
qualities and
achievements.
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