Harriet Lane
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| Harriet Lane |
Harriet Rebecca Lane Johnston
Served as the "Hostess," or First Lady, for her uncle James Buchanan, who was the 15th President of the United States from 1857 to 1861.
Harriet Lane was a remarkable First Lady, as she acted as hostess for her favorite uncle, James Buchanan, who never married. Orphaned at the age of eleven, she found comfort and guidance under her uncle's care and became the hostess for the only bachelor President in history. Despite the challenging times, Harriet Lane, a young woman in her twenties, achieved great success and charm.
Born into a prosperous merchant family in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Harriet Lane received an excellent education at a private school and later spent two years at the Visitation Convent in Georgetown. Her uncle, who was the Secretary of State at the time, introduced her to high society circles, ensuring she was embraced "in the best manner." In 1854, she accompanied him to London, where he served as minister to the Court of St. James. Queen Victoria even granted Harriet the rank of ambassador's wife, and suitors admired her for her beauty.
With her medium height and flowing golden hair, Harriet Lane's presence brightened any social gathering. Her charisma blended spontaneity with grace, captivating all those around her.
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| President James Buchanan |
n 1857, as the Pierce administration came to an end, Harriet Lane stepped into the role of the "Democratic Queen" of the White House. With her infectious spirit and passion, she infused gaiety and filled the residence with flowers, winning the hearts of the nation.
As tensions escalated between the North and the South, Harriet Lane meticulously arranged seating at her formal dinner parties. She tactfully ensured that dignitaries were given the proper precedence while keeping political adversaries separate. Although the task became increasingly challenging as seven states seceded during her uncle's presidency, her grace and diplomacy remained steadfast. With Buchanan's retirement and her return to Wheatland, their country home near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she bid farewell to the White House and its demanding role.
Throughout her life, Harriet Lane enjoyed the attention of many admirers, whom she teasingly referred to as "pleasant but dreadfully troublesome." Her uncle often cautioned her against hastily entering into marriage, and she heeded his advice, waiting until the age of almost 36 to wed. With James Buchanan's approval, she married Henry Elliott Johnston, a banker from Baltimore. However, tragedy struck Harriet Lane repeatedly as she faced the loss of her uncle, her two beloved sons, and finally her husband.
Determined to create a meaningful legacy, Harriet Lane made Washington her home and surrounded herself with friends she had made during her happier years. As an avid art collector, she amassed a significant collection, primarily consisting of European works, which she bequeathed to the government. This generous gift, accepted after her death in 1903, inspired an official from the Smithsonian Institution to dub her the "First Lady of the National Collection of Fine Arts." Furthermore, she dedicated a substantial sum of money to establish a home for invalid children at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. This institution flourished into a renowned pediatric facility, serving as a fitting tribute to the dignified and charming young lady who once graced the White House. Today, the Harriet Lane Outpatient Clinics continue to provide vital care for thousands of children.
Gold Coins!
Harriet Lane, the First Lady of James Buchanan, captivated all who encountered her. She was revered as the "Honorary Armbassadress" by Queen Victoria and hailed as "Our Democratic Queen" by the press corps in Washington. The Chippewa people respected her as the "Great Mother of the Indians." So esteemed was she that naval and coast guard ships were named in her honor. Her influence extended beyond mere admiration, inspiring songs and even shaping fashion trends. Yet, it was not just her captivating presence and style that set her apart. Harriet Lane was a trailblazer, championing social causes such as hospital and prison reform and advocating for the rights of American Indians. No other person could have bested the Prince of Wales in a game of bowling, a skill she had imparted to him. Throughout her life, Harriet faced heart-wrenching tragedy, but she embraced each day with unwavering grace and pursued her twin passions: preserving cherished memories and improving the lives of all Americans, especially children. Her legacy lives on as one of the most remarkable women in American history.
Unfortunately, despite her immense impact and enduring popularity, Harriet Lane was overlooked in the First Spouse Gold Coin Program. Milton Stern, the author of "Harriet Lane, America's First Lady," firmly asserts that this exclusion cannot be justified. Harriet Lane, the Most Admired First Lady, deserves her rightful place in the annals of history.
Harriet Lane´s Ingaurual Dress!
For one of the few women who served as First Lady without marrying a President, Lane left a lasting impression on the position. Being the orphaned niece of James Buchanan, she was considered the Jackie Kennedy of her time. Dubbed the "Democratic Queen," the enthusiastic 27-year-old Lane took on the role of official hostess with joy, for her beloved lifelong bachelor uncle, whom she affectionately referred to as "Nunc."
Right from the beginning, Lane made waves in terms of fashion. Her inaugural gown caused quite a stir, as it was a scandalously low-cut European-style dress adorned with a beautiful garland of flowers that gracefully cascaded down her chest and diagonally across her hips. The gown became an instant sensation, causing other bodices to plunge an inch or two overnight. In fact, four years later, Mary Todd Lincoln replicated the dress for her own inauguration. Throughout her time in the White House, Lane was frequently seen carrying bouquets of roses, and her preference for exclusive spas never failed to draw attention to her youthful beauty. Such was Lane's influence that there were even flowers, perfumes, poems, babies, songs, and clothing named after her.
While Julia Tyler made concerted efforts to elevate the status of the President and First Lady, Lane's natural charm took the concept of first ladies as pop culture icons even further. With her charisma and youthful spirit, she stood in stark contrast to her predecessor, the grieving Jane Pierce. Lane was the first First Lady to be regularly referred to as the "First Lady," and she was also the first to consistently invite non-political celebrities to White House functions. Moreover, she was a trailblazer in adopting social causes, particularly focusing on improving living conditions on Native American reservations.
Not only was Lane a beloved figure, but she was also philanthropic in her later years. She established a home for invalid children, which has now become part of Johns Hopkins Hospital. She generously donated her art collection to contribute to the formation of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Additionally, she funded the construction of a building on the St. Albans school campus in Washington, D.C.
Harriet Lane - Video
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