Author: Jenifer Sako / Source: did you know?

First ladies of the United States are much more than wives to the leaders of the free world. These women often serve as humanitarians focused on our most vulnerable populations, like the poor and children. Many of them are remembered separately from their powerful husbands as true public servants.

We may think of our first ladies as reluctant celebrities who often grace the covers of magazines, or as feminine symbols of our great nation’s leadership, reading to kids or passing out boxes of food. But they were wives and mothers first.

Here are 10 FLOTUS facts for insight into the real people they were as they stood by their presidential men – for better or for worse.

1. Martha Washington loved shoes.

If Christian Louboutin’s red-soled stilettos were a thing in the 1700s, Martha would’ve been all over them. Instead, she and other wealthy American colonists ordered on-trend shoes custom-made in London of fashionable silks and gold embroidery. She also devoted herself to caring for American Revolutionary soldiers, earning their respect and the unofficial title of “Lady Washington.”

2. Dolley Madison set the tone for future First Ladies with her example of supporting charities and social issues important to her.

She also supervised the White House decor to ensure it properly reflected the importance of the presidency.

3. We’ve already had a woman president, and her name was Edith Wilson.

The wife of President Woodrow Wilson was fiercely protective of her husband’s health after his secret stroke.

For two years, she signed correspondence and legislation on his behalf and would only allow him to meet with his physician and a few close friends.

4. Some…

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