-
Period: to
Dolley Madison's life
-
Dolley Madison Remarries
After Dolley's first husband died of the yellow fever epidemic, she remarries to James Madison a year later. They get married in West Virginia on September 15, 1794. -
Dolley Madison Retires for a While
Dolley was in politics for eight years. She served in the House of Representatives but decided to retire in 1797, even though she eventually returns in 1800. -
Thomas jefferson's Hostess
In 1801-1809, Dolley Madison served as Thomas Jefferson's official hostess and secretary of state. Thomas Jefferson was widowed so he decided to choose Dolley. This was when she came back into politics for the first time since after she left the house. -
Dolley Madison Helps Husband get Elected.
James Madison gets elected as president in 1809. Dolley helped him by charming voters with her great social skills and personality. -
Dolley Madison Hosts the First Inagural Ball
Dolley hosts the first inaugural ball. This boosted her social status and became more popular because of her charming personality. This overall ended up helping James Madison gain popularity as well. -
The First Drawing Room
On May 31, 1809, Dolley finishes decorating the White House and hosts the very first drawing room. A drawing room was a gathering where congressmen and there wives came together, regardless of there political opinions. They would talk, listen to music, and eat. These drawing rooms became huge hits and ended up becoming regular events. -
Dolley Saves Portrait
In 1814 during the revolutionary war, Britain torched the white house, Dolley Madison saves the portrait of George Washington, important secret papers, and other small presidential belongings. Everyone was ordered to leave before the British got there, but
Dolley stayed behind to save some things from being destroyed. -
Dolley Madison Sells Congress Papers
Dolley's husband, James Madison died in 1836. He gave her his old congress papers and his writings on historical events before he died. She moved back to Washington D.C and sold the papers and got $30,000. -
Dolley gets Second Loan
Dolley Madison goes to New York. She arranges to get a second loan of 25,000. She sells the rest of her husbands papers to the congress and gets the money from John Jacob Astor. She makes sure her son can't get any more of her money. -
Dolley's Funeral
Dolley Madison dies on July 12, 1849 in Wasington D.C. Her death was a big deal across the whole country because she was so well known and liked. Thousands of people attended her funeral including almost of all of president Zachary Taylor's congress members.
