#48: Elizabeth Monroe

Elizabeth Monroe assumed the role of first lady during her husband, James Monroe’s presidency, but her chronic health issues led her to delegate many hostess duties to her daughter, Eliza Monroe Hay. In the shadow of her esteemed predecessor, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth faced scrutiny.

The mother-daughter duo, particularly Eliza, was criticized for their attempts to make White House events more socially exclusive, earning them a reputation for pompousness. These challenges marked Elizabeth Monroe’s time as first lady.