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Dolley Madison
As British soldiers marched toward Washington, D.C. on August 24, 1814, Dolley Madison bravely stayed at the White House waiting for her husband, President James Madison. Most residents had fled the city, but Dolley had to save important documents and valuables from the White House, including the famous painting of George Washington. Dolley left the city only hours before the British arrived. Dolley Madison had been a leading social and political figure in Washington for many years and helped to rebuild the American capital. Author Zachary Kent explores the life of this First Lady from her humble childhood to her legacy as a national hero.
* Reviews *
Authors of this series use primary and secondary sources to place well-known American figures in the context of events in the United States during their lifetimes. Each book begins with the description of a significant incident in the person's life. While giving readers insight into how the person was perceived by others who lived at the same the same time, the authors also present interesting trivia to engage readers. Jesse James, a cold-blooded killer, often wrote to newspapers claiming his innocence. Fictionalized accounts of his daring robberies became fodder for popular dime novels, adding to the perception of him as a folk hero. Dolley Madison, an influential member of the political elite of the time, was responsible for saving many historical documents from being destroyed when the White House was burned in the War of 1812. The first inaugural ball took place during James Madison's term, cementing Dolley as a primary influence on the social climate of the presidency. Harriet Tubmans uncanny ability as a master of disguise helped her bring hundreds of slaves to freedom in the North. She worked tirelessly to champion blacks, even serving as a spy in the Civil War. Other titles in this series include Billy the Kid, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, John Brown, and Johnny Appleseed.
RL
Grades
5-6 IL
Grades
5-12+ GRL
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