Details
November 22, 2024
Abigail Smith Adams
November 22, 1744
Abigail Smith Adams—Born November 22, 1744 (Weymouth, MA). Died October 28, 1818 (Quincy, MA).
Years as First Lady: 1797-1801 White House Years 1800-1801
- Lacking a formal education, a young Abigail Adams read any book she could find to educate herself.
- A shared interest in learning created a bond between John and Abigail Adams, and they were married in 1764.
- Abigail Adams went with her husband to France and Great Britain, serving as the wife of the first United States Minister to Great Britain.
- As second lady, Abigail Adams helped Martha Washington as she set the precedent as the first first lady. She helped by using her recent experiences from time spent abroad and applied them to the entertaining she and Martha Washington hosted.
- As first lady, Abigail Adams was the first first lady to live in the White House, but it was not complete, and they were surrounded by wilderness.
- She was the first first lady to be the mother of another president.
- She was the first second lady of the U.S.
Quote:
- “Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies, we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.”
