#39: Edith Wilson

Edith Wilson’s legacy is a tale of controversy that reverberates through American history. Her marriage to President Woodrow Wilson in 1915, shortly after the passing of his first wife, marked the beginning of her role as First Lady. Initially, Edith was well-received, even becoming the first First Lady to journey to Europe.

However, the trajectory of her legacy dramatically shifted when President Wilson suffered a severe stroke in October 1919, rendering him bedridden and paralyzed. The extent of his ailment was shrouded in secrecy by Edith and his medical team, shielding it from both the public and the government. Edith became the sole conduit between Wilson and his cabinet, sparking claims that she had seized power while she steadfastly maintained that she was acting in accordance with his wishes.