Born in the heart of 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 rise to quietly wield extraordinary influence in the nation's highest office. Today, her birthplace stands as a unique landmark: the only First Lady birthplace museum in Virginia, and one of only eight historic sites in the country dedicated to telling the story of a First Lady.
Edith Bolling Wilson: The First Lady Who Quietly Shaped a Nation
A direct descendant of Pocahontas and related to Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee, Edith Bolling Wilson’s legacy stretches across the fabric of American history. Yet her own story—one of quiet strength, sacrifice, and political influence during one of the most turbulent times in the 20th century—is only now beginning to receive the recognition it deserves.
As First Lady during World War I, Edith broke the mold of traditional hostess and became one of the most powerful and consequential women ever to serve in the White House. She was not only President Woodrow Wilson’s confidante and helper —at times she was also his eyes, ears, and voice when he could no longer lead on his own.
When President Wilson suffered a near-fatal stroke in 1919, Edith stepped into an unprecedented role, managing the flow of information, guiding decisions, and shielding him from political turmoil—a period she later called her “stewardship of the presidency.” Her unofficial leadership continued for seventeen months, in what many now regard as one of the boldest, most controversial acts by a First Lady in U.S. history. It would not be until 1961 when the 25th Amendment was adopted that a proper succession to the presidency would be established.
But her influence began well before the Wilson’s stroke. From the moment America entered the war, Edith Bolling Wilson led by example by transforming the White House into a model of conservation. She decoded secret Allied messages and discussed wartime strategies with the President. She worked tirelessly volunteering with the Red Cross. In 1917, serving as a role model for young girls, she became the first Honorary President of Girl Scouts of America. Future First Ladies have followed in her footsteps.
Her trailblazing didn’t stop with these accomplishments. Edith was the first First Lady to travel to Europe, attending the Paris Peace Conferences alongside her husband. Her presence among queens and heads of state elevated the status of American First Ladies on the world stage, helping define the role in an international context.
Although not a vocal suffragist, Edith lived a life that empowered women by example. She was the first First Lady to vote in a presidential election—mailing in her ballot alongside her husband after the passage of the 19th Amendment. And while she couldn’t vote again due to D.C.’s restrictions, she remained the unofficial leader of Democratic women across the nation for decades.
Even after leaving the White House, Edith continued to shape political life. She chaired the board of the Woman’s National Democratic Club, published her memoir in 1939, and remained a ceremonial presence in national affairs—present at Roosevelt’s war declaration in 1941, riding in the Inaugural Parade of President Kennedy and hosting Jacqueline Kennedy.
On December 28, 1961—President Wilson’s birthday—Edith passed away just hours before she was to be honored at the dedication of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. True to her legacy of service, she left her Washington, D.C. home to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and donated President Wilson’s papers to the Library of Congress.
Edith Bolling Wilson’s greatest legacy was not only her loyalty to her husband but her unwavering commitment to his vision for world peace. At a time when women were expected to remain in the background, she stepped forward—not for power, but for purpose. Her influence, once overlooked, is now remembered as an extraordinary example of patriotism, partnership, and quiet leadership that changed the course of American history.
A direct descendant of Pocahontas and related to Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee, Edith Bolling Wilson’s legacy stretches across the fabric of American history. Yet her own story—one of quiet strength, sacrifice, and political influence during one of the most turbulent times in the 20th century—is only now beginning to receive the recognition it deserves.
As First Lady during World War I, Edith broke the mold of traditional hostess and became one of the most powerful and consequential women ever to serve in the White House. She was not only President Woodrow Wilson’s confidante and helper —at times she was also his eyes, ears, and voice when he could no longer lead on his own.
When President Wilson suffered a near-fatal stroke in 1919, Edith stepped into an unprecedented role, managing the flow of information, guiding decisions, and shielding him from political turmoil—a period she later called her “stewardship of the presidency.” Her unofficial leadership continued for seventeen months, in what many now regard as one of the boldest, most controversial acts by a First Lady in U.S. history. It would not be until 1961 when the 25th Amendment was adopted that a proper succession to the presidency would be established.
But her influence began well before the Wilson’s stroke. From the moment America entered the war, Edith Bolling Wilson led by example by transforming the White House into a model of conservation. She decoded secret Allied messages and discussed wartime strategies with the President. She worked tirelessly volunteering with the Red Cross. In 1917, serving as a role model for young girls, she became the first Honorary President of Girl Scouts of America. Future First Ladies have followed in her footsteps.
Her trailblazing didn’t stop with these accomplishments. Edith was the first First Lady to travel to Europe, attending the Paris Peace Conferences alongside her husband. Her presence among queens and heads of state elevated the status of American First Ladies on the world stage, helping define the role in an international context.
Although not a vocal suffragist, Edith lived a life that empowered women by example. She was the first First Lady to vote in a presidential election—mailing in her ballot alongside her husband after the passage of the 19th Amendment. And while she couldn’t vote again due to D.C.’s restrictions, she remained the unofficial leader of Democratic women across the nation for decades.
Even after leaving the White House, Edith continued to shape political life. She chaired the board of the Woman’s National Democratic Club, published her memoir in 1939, and remained a ceremonial presence in national affairs—present at Roosevelt’s war declaration in 1941, riding in the Inaugural Parade of President Kennedy and hosting Jacqueline Kennedy.
On December 28, 1961—President Wilson’s birthday—Edith passed away just hours before she was to be honored at the dedication of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. True to her legacy of service, she left her Washington, D.C. home to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and donated President Wilson’s papers to the Library of Congress.
Edith Bolling Wilson’s greatest legacy was not only her loyalty to her husband but her unwavering commitment to his vision for world peace. At a time when women were expected to remain in the background, she stepped forward—not for power, but for purpose. Her influence, once overlooked, is now remembered as an extraordinary example of patriotism, partnership, and quiet leadership that changed the course of American history.
Visit
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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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