Famous Americans

She once saved a woman from a death sentence in France.

Elizabeth Monroe (born Elizabeth Kortright) may not have had any political aspirations, but she would grow up to become a first lady to James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. Unlike her predecessor, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth enjoyed solitude over social engagements, which the American people, especially the women, did not appreciate. Still, Mrs. Monroe made a difference and is even credited with helping a woman be released from a French prison.

Early Years

Elizabeth Kortright was born on June 30, 1768, in New York City. There isn’t a lot known about her early personal life. Much of the history and knowledge we get from that era came from personal letters, but as was tradition at the time, when she died, her husband, James, burned most of her letters. Her father, Lawrence Kortright, was once a wealthy merchant, but he lost most of his fortune during the American Revolutionary War.

Elizabeth was known as a petite beauty, but she was also aloof. She met James Monroe in New York as a teenager while he was serving as a congressional representative for his home state, Virginia. The couple was married on February 16, 1786, and then they moved to Fredericksburg, VA, where James practiced law.

Elizabeth Monroe Becomes First Lady

Elizabeth’s way of life changed drastically in 1794, when her husband was named American minister to France and she went with him to Paris, her first trip to Europe. Here is where she shined. Her beauty and fashion sense made her very popular. In fact, she was named la belle Americaine, which means “The American Beauty.”

When Elizabeth Monroe found out that Marie-Adrienne Lafayette was in prison awaiting a death sentence, she decided to try and help. Lafayette was the wife of the marquis de Lafayette, a French revolutionary leader who had helped the United States during the American Revolution. Mrs. Lafayette had been imprisoned when her husband had left France.

James and Elizabeth Monroe wanted to show the man their gratitude and help his wife if they could. Elizabeth asked permission to visit Madame Lafayette in prison, and when they met, the two women hugged in public, so that all could see. Lafayette was soon released.

The Monroes returned to America for a few years, but then lived in Europe for four years, which wasn’t appreciated by the American people when James became president in 1817. Many thought Elizabeth was too influenced by her time in London and Paris, plus there was her need to be private and not hold social gatherings.

The previous first lady was a very social person and held some of the greatest get togethers. Even people from the opposite political party wanted to be included. Dolley Madison is still known today as the “hostess.” Not only were her parties elegant, she knew how to entertain and maintain peace.

Elizabeth Monroe, on the other hand, liked her privacy. She claimed to be ill quite often and didn’t want to be around a lot of other people. Even when her daughter was married, only a select few were invited, which further irritated the wives of politicians.

Perhaps the thing Elizabeth is most known for is her decorating skills. During the War of 1812, the White House was destroyed by British troops. When it was rebuilt in 1817, the Monroes hired an agent in Paris to help furnish the grand political building.

1. Elizabeth Monroe, the fifth first lady, was a very private individual who didn’t entertain like her predecessor, Dolley Madison, had.
2. James and Elizabeth Monroe lived in Europe for a while – first in Paris, then London – before he became president.
3. Elizabeth Monroe helped save a French woman from being executed by publicly hugging the prisoner. As the wife of James Monroe, at the time the American minister to France, her position and public affection for the other woman influenced French authorities.