Facts about Elizabeth Monroe: Fact Sheet of Elizabeth Monroe
Facts and Info: This fast fact sheet provides important information about Elizabeth Monroe, First Lady of the United States of America. Facts about Elizabeth Monroe: Fast Overview of Events in the White House
Facts and Info: Elizabeth Monroe assumed the position of First Lady to President James Monroe. She witnessed the important events of his presidency that included the Monroe Doctrine in 1823 which declared against foreign colonization in the Americas and the First Seminole War. Personality and Character: Elizabeth Monroe Quotes
Facts and Info: An insight into the personal views, character and personality of this First Lady may be obtained from the following Elizabeth Monroe quotes: "Mrs. Monroe is an elegant, accomplished woman. She possesses a charming mind and dignity of manners." Facts about Elizabeth Monroe: Her Nickname or Pet Name, "La Belle Americaine"
Facts and Info: This First Lady was known as "La Belle Americaine" because of her popularity in France due to her beauty, her fashionable appearance and also because her influence helped to gain the release and save the life of Adrienne de La Fayette during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution (1789 - 1799). Adrienne de La Fayette was the wife of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French revolutionary leader who assisted the US during the American Revolutionary War. Facts about Elizabeth Monroe: First Events
Facts and Info: The marriage of her daughter, Maria Hester Monroe to Samuel Lawrence Gouverneur, was the first to take place in the White House. Facts about the Causes and Accomplishments of Elizabeth Monroe
Facts and Info: First Ladies are not elected so have no official role. Their accomplishments are therefore based on their own particular wishes that ranged from political interests, humanitarian and charitable causes or duties relating to their family or social responsibilities. The causes and accomplishments of Elizabeth Monroe were focussed on the redecoration of the White House. Facts about Elizabeth Monroe: The Life of Elizabeth Monroe
Facts and Info: Elizabeth Kortright married James Monroe on February 16, 1786. They had three children but their beloved son died in infancy. James Monroe had been appointed American minister to France in 1794, and his wife Elizabeth accompanied him to Paris where she was given the nickname "La Belle Americaine". James returned to the US and was elected President. Elizabeth Monroe found herself in the unenviable position of following in the highly popular Dolley Madison as First Lady. Elizabeth was unable to compete with her predecessors outgoing, vivacious personality. She was considered elitist and aloof by many and her wish to remain private led to many criticisms. Her refusal to follow in the footsteps of Dolley Madison, by making social calls on legislators' wives was seen as an insult and led to a awkward political situation that was raised at a meeting of the cabinet in December 1817. As her role was unofficial it was decided that she should be allowed to continue in her role as First Lady as she wished. And so she did, refusing to socialize and claiming ill health for her frequent disappearances from Washington. Elizabeth concentrated on making contributions to the re-decoration and refurbishment of the White House which had been set ablaze by the British during the War of 1812. Her exquisite taste and her knowledge of fine European furnishings led to many beautiful pieces of furniture added to the White House. At the end of his presidency, the family returned to their estate in Oak Hill, Virginia. Elizabeth Monroe died in 1830. Her husband, President James Monroe, died July 4, 1831. James and Elizabeth Monroe were buried beside each other in Richmond, Virginia. |
