Dolley Madison

One of the most beloved first ladies of all time, Dolley Madison was also, arguably the most well known and influential woman of her era. Presiding over the social affairs of both her husband's two terms in the 'President's House' and Jefferson's presidency, Dolley asserted her influence over the nation's social affairs like no presidential spouse before or after her. From her heroic rescue of priceless items from the White House just minutes before the British set the building aflame in the War of 1812, to her redesign of the building for both political and social functionality, to her trend-setting but risqué taste in fashion, Dolley Madison remains one of the nation's most fascinating public figures from history.