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Birth
Abigail Adams was born on November 11th, 1774 in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Her parents were William Smith, a Congregationalist minister, and Elizabeth Quincy, the daughter of John Quincy. Quincy was a member of the colonial governor's council, colonel of the militia, and Speaker of the Massachusetts Assembly. (First Lady's Library) -
Seven Year's War
The Seven Year's War begins in 1756. Britain and Prussia defeat France, Spain, Austria, and Russia. France loses its North American colonies, and Spain gives Florida to Britain in exchange for Cuba (Houston MFA). -
Abigail and John Meet
John Adams and Abigail Smith meet for the first time. 2 years later, they will meet again and begin their courtship (PBS). This marks the beginning of John and Abigail's famously strong relationship. -
Industrial Revolution Begins
The Industrial Revolution begins in Britain. Before this, manufacturing was done in people's homes. Transportation, communication, and banking improves (Houston MFA). -
Catherine II becomes czarina of Russia
Also known as Catherine the Great, she becomes czarina in 1762. She was the longest ruling female ruler in Russia. She was empress of Russia for more than 30 years (Houston MFA). -
Married
At age 19, Abigail Adams married John Adams, a lawyer, on October 25th, 1764. They were married in the Smith family home in Weymouth, Massachusetts. In their 54 years of marriage, they "loved each other with an intensity that never diminished" (Withey 315). -
First Child Born
Abigail and John's first child, Abigail Amelia is born. She was nicknamed "Nabby." She later married John's secretary. She was the first child of many, some who died early on in their life (PBS). -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill occurs near Boston. Abigail and John Quincy watch from Penn's Hill in Braintree. Britain won, but there was damage done to them (PBS). -
Abigail's mother dies
Abigail's mother dies in a dysentery epidemic in Braintree. The disease incapicitated Abigail and her son Tommy (PBS). Abigail often struggled with her health (withey 315). -
"Remember the Ladies"
Abigail sends John her famous "Remember the Ladies" letter. She asks that women's rights be considered when laws are created. This shows Abigail as an early women's rights activist (PBS). -
William Herschel discovers Uranus
William Herschel discovers Uranus in 1781. It was always thought to be another star. Herschel noticed one seemed different while looking at stars and discovered Uranus (Houston MFA). -
French Revolution begins
The French Revolution began in 1789. It ended the age of absolute monarchy in France. It started with the storming of the Bastille and ended with the rise of Napoleon (Houston MFA). -
Abigail joins John in Philadelphia
Abigail travels to Philadelphia to join John in Nove,ber 1790. 6 months later, she leaves because of her hate for the city. During much of John's vice presidency, he stayed home with her. She will return to Philadelphia again in May 1797 (PBS). -
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are executed
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed in 1793. The French people were angry and captured and imprisoned the royal family. France was made a republic and Louis was put to trial. Louis and his wife Marie were executed by guillotine (Houston MFA). -
Abigail falls ill
On the way to Quincy, Abigail falls ill and near death. She recovers after a few months, but remains weak. John will return to Philadelphia alone (PBS). -
Moving Day
The Adams family moves into the New President's House, their new home. This would later be known as the White House (PBS). They were the first family to live in the white house. -
Haiti declares independence from France
Haiti declares independence from France in 1804. They were the first black nation to gain freedom from European colonial rule. Haiti attracted much attention and symbolized the aspirations of enslaved and exploited people everywhere (Houston MFA). -
Death
Abigail Adams died in her Quincy home on October 28th, 1818, at 73 years old. Her death shocked everyone. Despite frequent illness, people only saw her as having boundless energy and determination (Withey 315). She died of typhoid fever (Kail 91).
