USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -During the War of 1812, First Lady Dolley Madison famously saved the portrait from near-certain demise. Before vacating the premises on August 24, 1814, Mrs. Madison ordered that official papers and the Washington portrait should be saved from British hands.

Detailed explanation-2: -Although the burning of Washington, D.C. occurred long after George Washington’s death, the first president played an important role. Dolley Madison chose to have his portrait rescued from the White House just before the building went up in flames.

Detailed explanation-3: -As British troops gathered in the distance, Dolley decided to abandon the couple’s personal belongings and save the full-length portrait of former president and national icon George Washington from desecration by vengeful British soldiers, many of whom would have rejoiced in humiliating England’s former colonists.

Detailed explanation-4: -During their time in the White House, she was the first president’s wife to formally associate herself with a public charity project, sponsoring a home for orphaned girls in Washington, DC. Throughout her husband’s two terms, from 1809-1817, Madison was a main feature in the political society of the United States.

Detailed explanation-5: -Dolley Payne Todd Madison, one of the best known and loved First Ladies, was the wife of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States (1809-1817). Her iconic style and social presence boosted her husband’s popularity as President.