​Thomas Woodrow Wilson, born on December 28, 1856, in Staunton, Virginia, was the son of a Presbyterian minister who envisioned a similar path for his son. However, young Wilson found his true passion in law, political science, and history. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in political science and history in 1885. Shortly thereafter, he began teaching at the College of New Jersey, which later became Princeton University, marking the beginning of a distinguished academic career. Wilson was, first and foremost, a scholar before he was a statesman.
While pursuing his doctoral studies, Wilson met Ellen Axson, whom he married in 1883. Together, they had three children. In 1902, Wilson became President of Princeton University, a position he held until 1910. Persuaded by political allies who saw promise in his leadership, Wilson entered public office and was elected Governor of New Jersey in 1911. His tenure was brief, as he launched a campaign for the presidency the following year. Running on a Progressive platform, he was elected 28th President of the United States in 1913.
Tragedy struck early in Wilson’s presidency when Ellen Axson Wilson died in August 1914 from kidney disease. During this time of personal loss and growing global tension, Wilson met Edith Bolling Galt, a widowed Washington businesswoman. Their bond deepened quickly, and the couple married on December 18, 1915, at her home in Washington, D.C.
Domestically, President Wilson is best remembered for his "New Freedom" agenda, a sweeping series of progressive reforms. Landmark achievements of his administration included the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, which established the central banking system, the creation of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to curb unfair business practices, and the passage of the Clayton Antitrust Act, which strengthened protections against monopolies. Wilson also supported the introduction of a progressive income tax and important labor reforms. However, his civil rights record remains controversial, as his administration implemented the segregation of federal offices and failed to support the advancement of African American rights.
On the world stage, Wilson's presidency was defined by World War I. Although initially committed to neutrality, Wilson led the U.S. into the war in 1917, proclaiming the mission to “make the world safe for democracy.” Under his leadership, the United States played a crucial role in the Allied victory through both military and economic mobilization.
After the war, Wilson became the prominent advocate of the League of Nations, a bold initiative aimed at preventing future global conflicts. His vision was outlined in the famous Fourteen Points, which emphasized diplomacy, self-determination, and international cooperation. First Lady Edith Wilson accompanied him to Europe during the peace negotiations, making her the first First Lady to travel abroad on official diplomatic business.
Despite Wilson’s efforts, the U.S. Senate ultimately rejected the Treaty of Versailles, largely due to concerns about compromising American sovereignty through League of Nations membership. The treaty’s failure at home dealt a significant blow to Wilson’s legacy and undermined the League’s future influence.
In October 1919, Wilson suffered a massive stroke that left him severely incapacitated for the remainder of his presidency. In an extraordinary and unprecedented act of devotion, Edith Bolling Wilson assumed what she later described as the "stewardship of the presidency,” shielding her husband and overseeing communications and decisions on his behalf.
After completing his second term in 1921, Woodrow and Edith Wilson retired to their home on S Street NW in Washington, D.C. President Wilson passed away in 1924, while Edith lived for another 37 years, continuing to preserve and promote his legacy. The couple is buried together at the Washington National Cathedral, making them the only presidential couple interred in the nation’s capital.

Earliest known photo of Woodrow Wilson, 1871.

Portrait of President Woodrow Wilson, circa 1919.

Image of the President and First Lady, circa 1919.