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“I became an enthusiastic politician.”
First Ladies of the US Julia Grant Full Image

Julia Grant

Julia Boggs Dent Grant
Years of service: 1869-1877
Born: 1826

First Ladies of the US Julia Grant Full Image

Julia grew up in Missouri, a slave-holding state. When she married Ulysses Grant in 1848, she brought four enslaved people with her. She did not free them until 1863, after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. When she became First Lady, the press criticized her appearance, especially her crossed eye. Julia considered risky aesthetic surgery until Ulysses told her he loved her as she was. Julia enjoyed being First Lady immensely and oversaw a vast renovation of the war-weary White House. Her receptions were lavish affairs with multiple courses. She was exceedingly disappointed when Ulysses decided not to run for a third presidential term.

 

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Leaders in Literacy

4/30/2024 through 4/30/2025

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First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, and Librarians.

The right to an education is a foundational principle of America’s history, and many First Ladies have taken up this cause. We celebrate National First Ladies Day by kicking off this featured exhibit, presented by Huntington Bank.