8. Dolley Madison served as First Lady for more than one President
The wife of America’s fourth President, James Madison, Dolley brought to his administration experience as a White House hostess, having served at times in that role for the widowed Thomas Jefferson. During the administration of John Adams, partisanship based on political party affiliation took over the capital’s social events. It became common for events at the White House to be attended only by members of one of the two emerging political parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. Polarization worsened under Jefferson. As the hostess for James Madison, Dolley created a social atmosphere in which both parties intermingled. She ensured the atmosphere remained congenial, even during political discussions in social events under the President’s roof.
From 1801 to 1817, Dolley served as the leader of society in Washington. Much of what is known today regarding the creation of the Constitution is derived from the personal papers of James Madison. They were carefully preserved, edited, and published by Dolley following her husband’s death in 1836. In 1837 she returned to Washington, living there for the rest of her life. She again took an influential place in society, and counseled succeeding President and their wives, as well as cabinet officers and members of the Congress. She remains the only First Lady (the term did not exist in her day) to be given an honorary seat on the floor of the House during the administration of her husband. They granted it with gratitude for her efforts rebuilding Washington following the British burning of the Capital in 1814.