A 2013 - 2014 original C-SPAN feature series telling the stories of America's First Ladies - from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama -
through conversations with top experts, video tours of historic sites, and questions from C-SPAN's audience.

America's First Ladies — from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama
Caroline Harrison
First Lady: 1889 - 1893
Click the list to watch videos
  • Caroline Harrison Program
  • Proposal to expand White House
  • Caroline Harrison's plans for White House renovations
  • Support for Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Her White House China design
  • White House Piano
  • White House China Collection
  • Caroline Harrison's White House Diary
  • Harrison Home in Indianapolis
  • White House Redecorations and Entertaining
  • As a Political Partner
  • First White House Christmas Tree
  • Daughters of the American Revolution
  • Impact on Johns Hopkins Medical School
  • President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution
  • Her Reaction to President Harrison's Presidential Nomination
  • View on Campaigning
  • Her Diary, Entertaining and her Relationship with her Husband
  • Temperance
  • Collecting White House China
  • A brief introduction to Caroline Harrison

Biography

Caroline Harrison

Benjamin Harrison
"Since this Society has been organized, and so much thought and reading directed to the early struggle of this country, it has been made plain that much of its success was due to the character of the women of that era. The unselfish part they acted constantly commends itself to our admiration and example. If there is no abatement in this element of success in our ranks I feel sure their daughters can perpetuate a society worthy the cause and worthy of themselves." Mrs. Harrison on the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Born - October 1, 1832 in Oxford, Ohio

Parents - John Witherspoon Scott & Mary Potts Neal Scott

Married - October 20, 1853 to Benjamin Harrison

Children - Russell Benjamin (1854 – 1936),
Mary Scott (1858 – 1930)

Education - Oxford Female Institute in Oxford, Ohio

Firsts - 1st First Lady to have a Christmas tree in the White House. 1st First Lady to deliver a speech she had written herself.

Died - October 25, 1892 in Washington, D.C.

Click here to see full bio of Caroline Harrison

Caroline Harrison died while her husband was in office. Their daughter, Mary Harrison McKee, served as hostess during the final months of her father’s term.

 
Did You Know Icon Did You Know...
Mrs. Harrison was the first President General of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mrs. Harrison helped raise funds for the Johns Hopkins University medical school on condition that it admit women.
Caroline Harrison was the 1st First Lady to have a Christmas tree in the White House.

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