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      FIGURE 4-5: Dolley Madison wearing her signature turban.

      By 1808, Dolley had become one of the most popular women in the United States, well known and beloved by the American people. Her popularity helped get her husband elected in the 1808 presidential election, and by 1809, Dolley Madison was the new First Lady of the United States.

      Dolley proved to be a major asset in James Madison’s campaign for the presidency. After he won the presidency, his opponent Federalist Charles C. Pickney stated, “I might have had a better chance had I faced Mr. Madison alone.”

      Blazing the trail for future First Ladies

      After Dolley Madison became First Lady, she changed some traditions associated with the presidency. She organized the first inaugural ball for her husband, a tradition that lives on to this day. Second, she was able to secure more money from Congress for the presidential mansion. Therefore, she was able to hire a chef, increasing the number of guests invited to the White House for parties and expanding the guest list. Suddenly, not only members of Congress or foreign diplomats could attend but also well-known artists, writers, and even newsmakers were invited.

      Because presidents brought their own furniture and took it back with them, the White House was basically empty every time a president left office. Therefore, Dolley spent a quarter of Congress’s money to create and furnish the East Room in the White House to host more social events. In addition, Dolley went out and visited all of the Congressmen’s families who had moved to Washington and invited them to the White House.

      Dolley’s get-togethers were informal and nonpartisan; everybody had access to her and the president and could freely talk and discuss the issues of the day. Dolley treated everybody the same, be they political enemies or friends. Through her use of the drawing rooms, Dolley created networks with politicians, foreign dignitaries, and high society in Washington, D.C. Her use of social settings allowed for opposing sides to come together, which in turn helped her husband’s political agenda. As an added benefit, Dolley was able to lower tensions in Congress, because members of Congress could meet in her drawing rooms, discuss issues outside the halls of Congress, and, after good food and wine, settle issues amicably.

      Saving a painting

In 1812, war with Great Britain broke out. President Madison fled the city, but Dolley remained in the White House to evacuate it. She remained there until the last possible minute, evacuating many precious items, including a famous painting of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart (see Figure 4-6). She even saved notes on the Constitutional Convention, cabinet papers, and the White House silver. This act saved many irreplaceable items in U.S. history, because as soon as the British arrived in Washington, D.C., they burned down the White House and the Library of Congress. The White House was totally destroyed by the British and had to be rebuilt. The Madison’s never moved back in. Instead, they leased a large house a few blocks away, and Dolley started entertaining right away.