Elizabeth Kortright Monroe; 1817-1825

Born: 1768
Died: 1830

Aristocratic and aloof, Elizabeth Monroe presented a sharp contrast to her predecessor, Dolley Madison. She came from a wealthy, old New York family of Dutch descent; her father was a founder of the Chamber of Commerce and a British sympathizer during the Revolution. At 17, Elizabeth married 27-year-old James Monroe, a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress in New York. The couple had three children, two who survived infancy. The lived in New York, In Philadelphia when James was a Senator, and at their Virginia home near Monticello, before James's diplomatic assignment took them to Paris in the midst of the French Revolution. There Elizabeth helped secure the release from prison of Mme. Lafayette, whose husband had aided General Washington in the Revolutionary War.

Known in France as "la belle Americaine," Elizabeth lived in Europe off and on for 25 years while James served in various diplomatic posts. As First Lady, she brought her European style and taste to the White House, making it a more formal and elegant place. but she rarely attended dinners or other public functions, preferring the private company of family and close friends. Citing ill health, she discontinued Dolley Madison's practice of paying social calls, and spent months at a time away from Washington.

Fifth President
James Monroe