#44: Jane Pierce

Jane Pierce’s time as First Lady coincided with her husband Franklin Pierce’s presidency from 1853 to 1857. Her journey into the role began with mixed emotions, as she had initially been disheartened by her husband’s Democratic Party nomination due to his earlier deception regarding his intention to run for office.

Tragedy struck the Pierce family before their relocation to Washington D.C. when they were involved in a devastating train crash that claimed the life of their last surviving son, Benjamin. This loss cast a long shadow over Jane’s time as First Lady, filling it with profound sadness and mourning.