Who was Dolley Madison?

Dolley Madison was an American First Lady, the wife of the fourth US president, James Madison. She helped define the role of presidential spouse as hostess of the White House, and is regarded as one of the most important First Ladies in US history.

What were Dolley Madison's accomplishments?

As First Lady, Dolley Madison renovated the White House in a neoclassical style and served as its hostess, holding weekly receptions open to all. She used her charm to mend political feuds and fostered reconciliation between the bickering political parties. Madison was also known for her fashion, influencing women across the country.

Why did Dolley Madison fall into debt?

In her later years, Dolley Madison fell into debt while trying to pay off the gambling debts of her wayward son, John Payne Todd. Her own luxurious style of living did not help matters either. She was eventually forced to sell the Madison home of Montpelier and its enslaved people.

Dolley Madison Timeline

Definition

Dolley Madison (1768-1849), born Dolley Payne, was a prominent American First Lady, a function she held both during the presidency of her husband, James Madison, and for his predecessor, the widower Thomas Jefferson. Known for her elegance and charm, Madison acted as hostess of the White House, helping to define the role of the presidential spouse.

More about: Dolley Madison

Timeline

20 May 1768
Dolley Payne Madison is born on a Quaker community in Guilford County, North Carolina.
Jan 1790
Dolley Payne marries Philadelphia lawyer John Todd.
29 Feb 1792
Dolley Payne Todd gives birth to her first son, John Payne Todd, called 'Payne'.
Sep 1793 - Nov 1793
Dolley Payne Todd loses both her husband and her younger son William to the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia.
16 Sep 1794
James Madison and Dolley Payne Todd are married in Virginia.
1801 - 1808
Dolley Madison intermittently acts as hostess of the White House for the widower President Jefferson; becomes one of the most popular women in the US.
1 May 1801
The Madisons arrive in Washington, D.C. so James can take up his office as secretary of state.
4 Mar 1809
Dolley Madison holds an inaugural ball for her husband's inauguration as the fourth US president.
24 Aug 1814
The British burn Washington, D.C.; Dolley Madison directs her servants to save valuables, including the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington.
4 Mar 1817
The Madisons leave office at the end of James' second term as president.
1830
The Madisons are forced to mortgage half of the Montpelier plantation to pay off the gambling debts of Dolley's son, John Payne Todd.
28 Jun 1836
James Madison dies at Montpelier, at the age of 85.
1837
Dolley Madison moves back to Washington, D.C. with her sister.
1846
After falling deeper into debt, Dolley Madison is forced to sell the Montpelier plantation and its enslaved people.
12 Jul 1849
Dolley Madison dies at the age of 81.
16 Jan 1852
John Payne Todd, the last surviving son of Dolley Madison and stepson of James Madison, dies of typhoid fever, aged 59.

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