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The Birth of Abigail Smith
Abigail Smith was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts. She was the second born, with two sisters and one brother. Her maternal grandfather's involvement with the government and public service influenced her greatly at a young age. Also, she never had a formal education, but was taught to read and write from reading books from her grandfather's library. -
Marriage to John Adams
The marriage between John and Abigail Adams lasted for 54 years. Even though they were often apart due to John's involvement in politics, they were still able to keep a good relationship. Abigail was one of John's closest advisors. They wrote over 1,100 letters to each other. -
Birth of Abigail (Nabby) Adams
This was the beginning of the Adams family. She was the first of five children. She became very close with her mother when her father and brother, John Quincy Adams, were away in France for political business. -
Birth of John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the second born child of the Adams family. He was always very involved with politics. He was an important advisor to his father during John Adam's presidency. John Quincy would eventually become the sixth president of the United States. -
One of Abigail Adam's Most Famous Letters is Written
Abigail Adams writes one of her most famous letters to John Adams on December 30, 1773. She writes, "How many snow banks divide thee and me. . ." This letter depicts the pain Abigail Adams had to go through when her husband was away on political business. -
Abigail Adams Writes Another Famous Letter
In this letter written on October 22, 1775, Abigail Adams writes "My pen is always freer than my tongue." Even though Abigail did not have a formal education, this quote proves that she fought to learn how to read and write. The reason why she is so famous, aside from being the wife and mother of two presidents, was that she wrote so many letters advising her husband. This quote demonstrates how Abigail Adams fought for what she believed. -
Abigail Writes Another Famous Letter
Abigail writes another very important letter to her husband on March 31, 1776. In this letter, she urges her husband, John Adams to, "Remember the Ladies. . ." when the new Code of Laws is being created for America. This letter proves how much Abigail Adams cared for women's rights. -
Abigail and John Adams go to Paris
John Adams spent many years in Europe on diplomatic trips. In 1784, Abigail Adams decided to join him in Paris. She was able to study the manners and culture of the French. Abigail eventually had to fill the role of wife of the first United States Minister to Great Britain. She filled this role with dignity and tact. -
John Adams is Elected as Vice President
George Washington won the re-election for the presidency with John Adams as his vice president once again. This meant many more months away from her husband for Abigail. They wrote many letters to each other, always referring to the other as their "dearest friend." This proves the unwavering love and true respect John and Abigail Adams had for each other. -
John Adams Won the Presidential Election
In 1796, John Adams won the Presidential Election. Even though her husband served four years as president, Abigail Adams only spent eighteen months in the capital with him. She spent a few months in Philadelphia when that was the capital. In 1800, she then moved into the unfinished White House in Washington, D.C. when the capital was moved. Abigail did most of her own chores in the White House instead of making slaves do them. Abigail Adams was the first First Lady to live in the White House. -
John Adams is Defeated in the Presidential Election
Thomas Jefferson beats John Adams in the Presidential Election of 1800. This meant that John and Abigail Adams would be retiring from the political life. Abigail Adams writes that she is "sick of the public life" just before the election. She and John return to their first home and spend much needed quality time with one another and their children. -
Death of Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams died on October 28, 1818 of typhoid fever. Her last words were, “Do not grieve, my friend, my dearest friend. I am ready to go. And John, it will not be long.” Although John was devastated by her death, he lived for another eight years. Abigail Adams was honored with the induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
