1799 New York Ave NW

Washington, DC

Dolley Madison (b. May 20, 1768; d. July 12, 1849) was married to the fourth President of the United States, James Madison. She, however, made the history books on her own accord and set the standard by which every First Lady since then has been measured. James was still a Congressman from Virginia when they wed. She was only 26 years old. Her life as a White House hostess started well before she called it home. Dolley was incredibly social, relished public life and had natural political prowess. When James served as Secretary of State to widowed President Thomas Jefferson, Dolley often helped Jefferson host events at the White House. She is credited with fundraising for the Lewis and Clark expedition and used her well-established public persona to help James into office. As the First Lady, she forged influential relationships with the spouses of national and international dignitaries. When DC was torched during the War of 1812, Dolley would not leave the burning White House until George Washington’s portrait made it to safekeeping. It was then, from 1814 to 1815, while the White House was being rebuilt, that she and husband James lived here at The Octagon House, located at 1799 New York Avenue NW.