The enchantress of the nation's capital, Julia Gardiner Tyler, captured the heart of the tenth President, John Tyler. After their clandestine engagement and wedding, she gracefully assumed the role of First Lady from 1844 to 1845.
"I lament that my love should be considered a belle," sighed one of Julia Gardiner's countless admirers in 1840. At the young age of 20, she was already renowned as the "Rose of Long Island."
Being the daughter of Juliana McLachlan and David Gardiner, who were descendants of affluent and influential families in New York, Julia had been groomed since early childhood for a life in high society. She made her debut at 15 and later embarked on a European tour with her family, which exposed her to dazzling social splendors. In late 1842, the Gardiners ventured to Washington for the winter social season, where Julia quickly became the undisputed darling of the capital. Her breathtaking beauty and practiced charm captivated the most eminent men in the city, including President Tyler, who had been a widower since September.
Tragedy struck!
During the following winter, when Julia, her sister Margaret, and her father joined a Presidential excursion on the newly built steam frigate Princeton. A devastating explosion of a massive naval gun resulted in the loss of David Gardiner's life. It was during this time of grief that Tyler provided solace to Julia and managed to win her consent to a secret engagement.
He married while in office, Tyler exchanged vows with Julia in New York on June 26, 1844. The announcement of their marriage sparked great interest, extensive media coverage, and some criticism due to their significant age difference of 30 years.
As the young Mrs. Tyler herself remarked, she splendidly reigned as First Lady during the final eight months of her husband's term. Adhering to mourning customs, she would wear white satin or black lace garments and exude vivacity and animation while hosting a series of lively parties. She thoroughly enjoyed her prestigious position and filled it with grace. During receptions, she reintroduced the formality of the Van Buren administration, welcoming guests adorned with plumes in her hair and accompanied by maids of honor dressed in white. It was once said, with undeniable truth, that "Nothing appears to delight the President more than…to hear people sing my praises."
The Tylers'
Happiness remained unshaken as they retired to their home at Sherwood Forest in Virginia. It was there that Julia gave birth to five of their seven children and dutifully managed the plantation until the outbreak of the Civil War. As mistress of the estate, she staunchly defended both states' rights and the institution of slavery. Julia became a steadfast advocate for her husband's political views, with Tyler forever remaining "the President" in her eyes until his passing.
The loss of her beloved husband in 1862 dealt Julia a severe blow. In a heartfelt poem composed for his sixty-second birthday, she had reassured him that "whatever changes time may bring, I'll love thee as thou art!"
Julia Tyler
Despite being a refugee in New York, she continued to dedicate herself to volunteer work for the Confederacy. However, the defeat of the Confederacy left her in dire financial circumstances. It wasn't until 1958 that federal law finally granted automatic pensions to Presidential widows. Nonetheless, Congress demonstrated some leniency in 1870 by awarding a pension to Mary Lincoln, which Julia Tyler used as a precedent when seeking assistance. In December 1880, Congress voted to provide her with $1,200 per year. Furthermore, following President Garfield's assassination, bills were passed to grant uniform amounts of $5,000 annually to Mrs. Garfield, Mrs. Lincoln, Mrs. Polk, and Mrs. Tyler. Julia spent her last years living comfortably in Richmond before passing away there in 1889. She was laid to rest beside her beloved husband.
Beyond my Door!
This is a short copy of Julia Tyler life! 👍
How do woman dress in the 1800´s ?
Necklines in the 1880s soared high and sleeves were impeccably fitted and snug. Women's fashion during this time period was a true spectacle, with dresses adorned in an array of ornate and lavish details. Ruffles, pleats, and gracefully draping fabrics were fundamental elements in the ensembles of the fashionable ladies. To complement these exquisite dresses, women opted for stylish boots, bonnets, and hats, often embellished with delicate lace and charming ribbons.
Ladies of the Unites States dresses!
Dress of Julia Tyler
The young and vibrant Julia Gardiner Tyler caused a sensation in Washington when she married widower President John Tyler on June 26, 1844. Despite her brief tenure of only eight months as First Lady, she left a lasting impression. Previously, James Sanderson’s anthem “Hail to the Chief” had been played on various occasions to honor American Presidents, but it was Julia Tyler who became the first presidential spouse to request its playing specifically to announce the President’s arrival at official events. This tradition has endured to the present day.
Julia Tyler worked tirelessly to support her husband’s political agenda, particularly in advocating for the annexation of Texas. Utilizing her remarkable charm, she successfully persuaded Members of Congress, a Supreme Court justice, and cabinet members to lend their support to the cause. Following Congress' favorable vote and the President's signing of the resolution, he presented Julia with the golden pen he used, as a tribute to her efforts. With great pride, she affixed the pen to her necklace and subsequently wore it at formal gatherings.
Mrs Julia Tyler´s $10 Coin Pieces!
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