Julia Gardiner Tyler; 1841-1845

Born: 1820
Died: 1889

Letitia Christian Tyler was in failing health when her husband, John, suddenly became president one month into William Henry Harrison's first term. Letitia and John had married in 1813, when both were 23. Both came from wealthy Virginia planter families. The pious Letitia focused on the domestic sphere, raising seven children and managing finances, while John pursued a political career. In 1839, she suffered a debilitating stroke. Though she accompanied John to the White House, she was in seclusion and died the following year. Her daughter-in-law acted as hostess until John remarried in 1844.

Known as the "Rose of Long Island," Julia Gardiner was a lively and flirtatious 22-year-old when she met the 52-year-old widower President. Visiting Washington with her wealthy parents (the Gardiners owned their own island in New York), Julia was wooed by many, but won by John. She reveled in her brief "reign" as First lady. She entertained lavishly, spent Gardiner money to refurbish the White House, helped relatives win key government posts, and pushed John's plan to annex Texas. She also began the tradition of playing "Hail to the Chief." After leaving office, the Tylers moved to John's Virginia plantation where Julia had seven children. A staunch supporter of the Confederacy, she lobbied Congress for a widow's pension after John's death in 1864.

Tenth President
John Tyler