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
Edith Wilson
First Lady: 1913 - 1921
Click the list to watch videos
  • Ellen and Edith Wilson program
  • Call-in program on Ellen and Edith
  • Book discussion on Ellen and Edith: Woodrow Wilson's First Ladies
  • Tour of Woodrow Wilson House - Part 2
  • Role during Pres. Wilson's illness
  • The Woodrow Wilson House - Cary Fuller, the grandnephew of Edith Wilson
  • The Woodrow Wilson House - Library
  • The Woodrow Wilson House - Dining Room
  • Birthplace in Wytheville, Virginia
  • Dr. Grayson Letters
  • Influence during her Husband's Illness
  • Marriage
  • Introduction to Woodrow Wilson
  • Role in the White House
  • Ellen and Edith Wilson
  • A brief Introduction to Ellen and Edith Wilson
  • Biographer Phyllis Lee Levin on Edith Wilson
  • Edith Mayo on Edith Wilson
  • Book Discussion on Edith and Woodrow

Biography

Edith Wilson

Woodrow Wilson
I studied every paper, sent from different Secretaries or Senators, and tried to digest and present in tabloid form the things that, despite my vigilance, had to go to the President. I, myself, never made a single decision regarding the disposition of public affairs. The only decision that was mine was what was important and what was not, and the very important decision of when to present matters to my husband.

Born - October 15, 1872 in Wytheville, Virginia

Parents - William Holcombe Bolling & Sallie White Bolling

Married - December 18, 1915 to Woodrow Wilson (first marriage to Norman Galt in 1896, widowed in 1908)

Children - none

Education - Martha Washington College in Abingdon, Virginia

Occupation - jewelry store owner

Firsts - 1st First Lady to receive permanent Secret Service protection

Died - December 28, 1961 in Washington, D.C.

Click here to see full bio of Edith Wilson

Edith Wilson married the president during his first term.

 
Did You Know Icon Did You Know...
After President Wilson suffered a stroke in 1919, Mrs. Wilson paid careful attention to select matters for his consideration.
Edith Wilson was the 1st First Lady to receive permanent Secret Service protection.

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