The United States has many iconic first ladies who have left their mark on history. They have been a reflection of the country’s values and an inspiration to many. These women have made their mark on the nation, from Abigail Adams to Michelle Obama. However, some first ladies are not as well known but still have a lasting impact.
These are the ten oldest U.S. first ladies who ever lived; their stories are fascinating. From being born in the 18th century to having a hand in the emancipation of slaves, each of these women has a unique story. Their lives and accomplishments offer insight into the history of our country and its people.
Read on to learn more about these inspiring women and their lives.
10. Sarah Polk (September 4, 1803 – August 14, 1891)
Age: 87 years old
President: James K. Polk
Political Party: Not Applicable
Children: Not Applicable
photo source: Encyclopedia Britannica
Sarah Polk was the First Lady of the United States from 1845 to 1849 during the presidency of her husband, James K. Polk. She was born Sarah Childress in 1803 in Tennessee and married James K. Polk in 1824. Sarah Polk was a well-educated woman for her time and was known for her intelligence and political savvy.
During her husband’s presidency, she was an influential figure in the White House and was known for her interest in politics and her support for her husband’s policies.
After her husband’s presidency, Sarah Polk retired from public life and lived in Nashville, Tennessee, where she died in 1891. Despite her relatively low profile, she was widely respected and admired for her intelligence, political savvy, and dedication to her husband’s presidency.
Did You Know?
Sarah and James K. Polk did not have any children. They were a childless couple, which was relatively unusual in their time. Nevertheless, they were close to their nieces and nephews, and they considered their home happy.
9. Edith Roosevelt (August 6, 1861 – September 30, 1948)
Age: 87 years old
President: Theodore Roosevelt
Political Party: Not Applicable
Children: Theodore III, Kermit, Ethel, Archibald, and Quentin Roosevelt
photo source: Wikipedia
Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt was the second wife and First Lady of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, from 1901 until he died in 1919. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1861, she was a childhood friend and later the second wife of President Roosevelt. She supported her husband in his political career, often serving as his hostess and advisor.
Edith was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and philanthropic work, particularly in women’s and children’s welfare. In addition, she strongly advocated for social reform, including conservation and the arts.
Did You Know?
After her husband’s death, Edith lived a private life, spending time in New York and Oyster Bay, Long Island, until she died in 1948.
8. Anna Harrison (July 25, 1775 – February 25, 1864)
Age: 88 years old
President: William Henry Harrison
Political Party: Not Applicable
Children: John Scott, Carter Bassett, and 8 others
photo source: Encyclopedia Britannica
Anna Tuthill Symmes Harrison was the wife of William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States. She was born on July 25, 1775, in Morristown, New Jersey, and was the daughter of a wealthy judge. She married William Henry Harrison in 1795 and had ten children together. Anna was known for her intense patriotism and active supporter of her husband’s political career.
During her husband’s brief presidency, Anna did not play an active role as First Lady due to his illness and death after only 32 days in office. However, she was still highly respected and was known for her dignified presence and commitment to supporting her husband’s administration.
Did You Know?
After her husband’s death, Anna lived a quiet life on her farm in Ohio, where she raised her children and was active in the community. She was known for her charitable work and support of various causes, including education and women’s rights.
7. Edith Wilson (October 15, 1872 – December 28, 1961)
Age: 89 years old
President: Woodrow Wilson
Political Party: Not Applicable
Children: Unspecified
photo source: ThoughtCo
Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson and served as First Lady of the United States from 1915 to 1921. Born in Wytheville, Virginia, in 1872, Edith was a widow with a young son when she married President Wilson in 1915, during his first term in office.
As First Lady, Edith was known for her strong personality and influence on her husband’s presidency. During World War I and the President’s severe illness in 1919, she effectively acted as the Chief of Staff, screening visitors and correspondence and making decisions on his behalf. This led to criticism that she had overstepped her bounds as First Lady, but she maintained that she was trying to keep the country running smoothly while her husband could not fulfill his duties.
Did You Know?
After her husband’s presidency, Edith remained active in social and political causes, advocating for women’s suffrage and other reforms. She was also a prolific writer and an advocate for the arts, serving on the National Advisory Committee of the Fine Arts Commission.
6. Barbara Bush (June 8, 1925 – April 17, 2018)
Age: 92 years old
President: George H. W. Bush
Political Party: Republican
Children: George, Robin, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy Bush
photo source: CNN
Barbara Pierce Bush was the wife of George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, and the mother of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States. Born in New York City in 1925, Barbara married George H.W. Bush in 1945, and they had six children together. As First Lady from 1989 to 1993, Barbara was known for her grace, intelligence, and commitment to public service.
She strongly advocated literacy and education and founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Throughout her life, she was also an active supporter of various charitable organizations, including the Red Cross and the United Negro College Fund.
After her husband’s presidency, Barbara remained active in public life, continuing her work on behalf of literacy and education and supporting various charitable causes.
Did You Know?
In addition to her philanthropic work, Barbara was well known for her wit and commitment to her family. She was a devoted wife and mother, and her commitment to her family was a hallmark of her time as First Lady.
5. Elizabeth Ford (April 8, 1918 – July 8, 2011)
Age: 93 years old
President: Gerald Ford
Political Party: Republican
Children: Michael, Jack, Steven, and Susan Ford
photo source: White House Historical Association
Elizabeth Ford was the wife of Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977. Elizabeth Ford was born in 1918 in Chicago, Illinois, as Elizabeth Ann Bloomer. Before she married Gerald Ford, she worked as a model and later as a dancer. She was also a fashion coordinator. During her time as First Lady, Elizabeth Ford was known for her activism and support of various causes.
She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and spoke out in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment. She was also an early supporter of the pro-choice movement and an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness.
In addition to her activism, Elizabeth Ford was also known for her distinctive personal style. She was a trendsetter and widely admired for her fashion sense. For example, she was often credited with popularizing the pantsuit as a fashionable alternative to the traditional skirt and blouse.
Did You Know?
Elizabeth Ford was also a philanthropist and supported many charities and non-profit organizations.
4. Claudia Johnson (December 22, 1912 – July 11, 2007)
Age: 94 years old
President: Lyndon B. Johnson
Political Party: Democratic
Children: Lynda and Luci Johnson
photo source: National Women’s History Museum
Claudia Alta Taylor Johnson was the wife of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson. She served as First Lady from 1963 to 1969. Born in 1912 in Karnack, Texas, Claudia Johnson was known for her distinctive style, intelligence, and wit. As First Lady, Claudia Johnson strongly advocated for the arts, education, and environmental protection.
She helped establish the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. In addition, she strongly supported the Head Start program, which provides early childhood education and support services to low-income families.
Claudia Johnson was also a leading advocate for conservation, and she worked to preserve natural and historic sites, such as the Buffalo National River in Arkansas and the LBJ Ranch in Texas.
Did You Know?
In addition to her work as First Lady, Claudia Johnson was also an accomplished author and speaker. She wrote a memoir entitled “A White House Diary,” published in 1970, and provides an inside look at her time in the White House.
3. Nancy Reagan (July 6, 1921 – March 6, 2016)
Age: 94 years old
President: Ronald Reagan
Political Party: Republican
Children: Patti and Ron Reagan
photo source: Wikipedia
Nancy Reagan was the wife of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. She served as First Lady from 1981 to 1989. Born in 1921 in New York City, Nancy Reagan was an actress before she married Ronald Reagan in 1952. As First Lady, Nancy Reagan was known for her “Just Say No” campaign, which aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse among young people.
She was also a strong advocate for child welfare, and she worked to raise awareness about adoption and foster care issues. Nancy Reagan was known for her love of fashion and attention to detail. She was often seen wearing designer clothing and accessories and was known for her immaculate grooming and stylish coiffure.
After leaving the White House, Nancy Reagan continued to be active in public life, serving as a spokesperson for various causes and organizations. She was also an accomplished author and wrote several books, including “My Turn,” a memoir of her life and experiences as First Lady.
Did You Know?
In addition to her interest in fashion, Nancy Reagan was known for her love of dance and her involvement in the arts.
2. Eleanor Rosalynn Carter (August 18, 1927 – present)
Age: 95 years old
President: Jimmy Carter
Political Party: Democratic
Children: Jack, James III, Donnel, and Amy Carter
photo source: Wikipedia
Eleanor Rosalynn Carter was the wife of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. She served as First Lady from 1977 to 1981. Born in 1927 in Plains, Georgia, Eleanor Carter was a homemaker and volunteer before she became First Lady.
As First Lady, Eleanor Carter was known for her advocacy of mental health and was a leading voice in efforts to destigmatize mental illness and promote better understanding and access to treatment. She was also a strong advocate for women’s rights and human rights, and she worked to promote peace and social justice both domestically and internationally.
After leaving the White House, Eleanor Carter continued to be active in public life, serving as a spokesperson for various causes and organizations, including the Carter Center, a non-profit organization founded by her husband that promotes peace, democracy, and human rights around the world.
Eleanor Carter remains an active and influential public figure and a beloved and respected figure in American life and culture.
Did You Know?
She was also an accomplished author and wrote several books, including a memoir, “First Lady from Plains,” which provides a behind-the-scenes look at her life and experiences as First Lady.
1. Elizabeth Truman (February 13, 1885 – October 18, 1982)
Age: 97 years old
President: Harry S. Truman
Political Party: Democratic
Children: Margaret Truman
photo source: On This Day
Elizabeth Truman was the first lady of the United States of America from 1945 to 1953, and the oldest U.S. first lady ever lived. She was born Elizabeth Virginia Wallace in Lamar, Missouri, on February 13, 1885. She was the daughter of John Wallace and Martha Elizabeth Young.
Elizabeth married Harry S. Truman in 1919, and they had one daughter, Margaret Truman. Elizabeth was a devoted wife, mother, and First Lady. She was a passionate advocate for civil rights and a champion of education and the arts.
She was a strong supporter of the United Nations and lent her support to many causes, including world peace, the care of the elderly, and the protection of the environment. Elizabeth was a prominent figure in the White House during Harry Truman’s presidency. She kept a scrapbook of her husband’s accomplishments and frequently wrote letters and speeches supporting his policies.
Did You Know?
She worked closely with the staff of the White House and was active in the Truman Organization, which sought to promote her husband’s legacy.
