Born in the heart of Downtown Wytheville, Virginia, on October 15, 1872, Edith Bolling was the seventh of eleven children born to Judge William H. Bolling and Sallie Bolling. From these modest Southern roots, she would become First Lady of the United States – wife of President Woodrow Wilson.
Her life with Woodrow Wilson began with a whirlwind romance with Woodrow sending Edith an orchid everyday of their courtship…and there were 250 heartfelt love letters. The two fell in love and quickly developed a close and passionate relationship. Theirs was a love story for the ages…. While Woodrow lived only three years after leaving the White House, Edith lived another 37 years and spent the remainder of her life promoting Woodrow's legacy and vision for world peace.
Her life with Woodrow Wilson began with a whirlwind romance with Woodrow sending Edith an orchid everyday of their courtship…and there were 250 heartfelt love letters. The two fell in love and quickly developed a close and passionate relationship. Theirs was a love story for the ages…. While Woodrow lived only three years after leaving the White House, Edith lived another 37 years and spent the remainder of her life promoting Woodrow's legacy and vision for world peace.
A First Lady Like No Other
She descended from Pocahontas, shared family ties with Martha Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and would go on to quietly change the course of American history. Yet the story of Edith Bolling Wilson—a woman of bold influence, steadfast devotion, and political courage—is only now being fully appreciated.
Born in small-town Wytheville, Virginia, Edith rose to become one of the most consequential First Ladies in U.S. history. During World War I, she redefined the role—not as a ceremonial hostess, but as a strategic partner to the President. She reviewed top-secret documents, decoded Allied messages, led conservation efforts at the White House, and worked tirelessly for the American Red Cross. In 1917, she became the first Honorary President of the Girl Scouts, inspiring generations of girls through action, not speeches.
But it was in 1919, after President Woodrow Wilson suffered a massive stroke, that Edith’s role became truly historic—and controversial. Shielding her husband from the political storm, she managed communication with the Cabinet, reviewed correspondence, and influenced national decisions. For seventeen months, she quietly held the reins of the presidency—a period she later called her “stewardship”.
Decades before the 25th Amendment established rules of succession, Edith Bolling Wilson took bold, decisive action in a constitutional gray area—earning her the titles: “The Secret President” and “The First Woman President.” She did not stop at the White House door. Edith was the first First Lady to vote after the 19th Amendment and the first First Lady to travel to Europe with a president. Her presence among kings and queens and heads of state elevated the status of American First Ladies on the world stage helping define the role in an international context. She was a public figure for decades to come—riding in the Inaugural Parade President John F. Kennedy, hosting a luncheon for Jacqueline Kennedy, and attending key moments in 20th-century political life. She led Democratic women nationwide and chaired the board of the Woman’s National Democratic Club.
Although not a vocal suffragist, Edith lived a life that empowered women by example. White House correspondent for the Boston Globe wrote, “Although Edith had never been a suffragist, she represented the finest argument for suffrage…she demonstrated that women had the capability to exercise good judgment and therefore deserved the right to vote.” One Republican senator labeled Edith, “the Presidentress who fulfilled the dream of the suffragettes by changing her title from First Lady to Acting First Man.” Edith Bolling Wilson was the first First Lady to vote in a presidential election.
Even in death, Edith made history—passing away on President Wilson’s birthday in 1961, just hours before she was to be honored at the dedication of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Edith Bolling Wilson’s legacy wasn’t driven by ego or ambition—it was driven by purpose. She stepped forward when history called, not for attention, but to serve. And in doing so, she paved the way for future First Ladies, redefined what it means to lead, and forever left her mark on the story of America.
She descended from Pocahontas, shared family ties with Martha Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and would go on to quietly change the course of American history. Yet the story of Edith Bolling Wilson—a woman of bold influence, steadfast devotion, and political courage—is only now being fully appreciated.
Born in small-town Wytheville, Virginia, Edith rose to become one of the most consequential First Ladies in U.S. history. During World War I, she redefined the role—not as a ceremonial hostess, but as a strategic partner to the President. She reviewed top-secret documents, decoded Allied messages, led conservation efforts at the White House, and worked tirelessly for the American Red Cross. In 1917, she became the first Honorary President of the Girl Scouts, inspiring generations of girls through action, not speeches.
But it was in 1919, after President Woodrow Wilson suffered a massive stroke, that Edith’s role became truly historic—and controversial. Shielding her husband from the political storm, she managed communication with the Cabinet, reviewed correspondence, and influenced national decisions. For seventeen months, she quietly held the reins of the presidency—a period she later called her “stewardship”.
Decades before the 25th Amendment established rules of succession, Edith Bolling Wilson took bold, decisive action in a constitutional gray area—earning her the titles: “The Secret President” and “The First Woman President.” She did not stop at the White House door. Edith was the first First Lady to vote after the 19th Amendment and the first First Lady to travel to Europe with a president. Her presence among kings and queens and heads of state elevated the status of American First Ladies on the world stage helping define the role in an international context. She was a public figure for decades to come—riding in the Inaugural Parade President John F. Kennedy, hosting a luncheon for Jacqueline Kennedy, and attending key moments in 20th-century political life. She led Democratic women nationwide and chaired the board of the Woman’s National Democratic Club.
Although not a vocal suffragist, Edith lived a life that empowered women by example. White House correspondent for the Boston Globe wrote, “Although Edith had never been a suffragist, she represented the finest argument for suffrage…she demonstrated that women had the capability to exercise good judgment and therefore deserved the right to vote.” One Republican senator labeled Edith, “the Presidentress who fulfilled the dream of the suffragettes by changing her title from First Lady to Acting First Man.” Edith Bolling Wilson was the first First Lady to vote in a presidential election.
Even in death, Edith made history—passing away on President Wilson’s birthday in 1961, just hours before she was to be honored at the dedication of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Edith Bolling Wilson’s legacy wasn’t driven by ego or ambition—it was driven by purpose. She stepped forward when history called, not for attention, but to serve. And in doing so, she paved the way for future First Ladies, redefined what it means to lead, and forever left her mark on the story of America.
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Museum Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm If you would like to schedule a pre-arranged tour, please email or call at least one week prior to your date to visit. Email: [email protected] Call: (276) 223-3484 |
Location
145 E. Main St., Wytheville, VA 24382 The museum is located in the heart of historic downtown Wytheville. |
Admission
There is no admission fee for individuals to visit the museum or tour the birthplace home; however, donations are greatly appreciated! Groups of 10 or more, please call ahead for information and arrangements. |
Edith bolling wilson birthplace museum
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