Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia on December 28th, 1856.  He was the son of a Presbyterian minister, and his father had the same aspirations for his son.  However, young Woodrow Wilson found his love in law, political science, and history.  Therefore, in 1885 he earned a Ph.D. in political science and history.  He would quickly find a teaching position in the College of New Jersey which eventually became Princeton University. Wilson was a scholar before entering politics.

While he was pursuing a doctoral degree he met Ellen Axson, whom he married in 1883, and they had three children.  In 1902, Woodrow became President of Princeton University, and he served in this capacity until 1910.  However, he was coerced into politics by reputable friends, and he became Governor of New Jersey in 1911.  Wilson would not serve in this position for long as 1912 was an election year and Wilson entered the Presidential race on a Progressive ticket.  In 1913, Wilson became the 28th President of the United States. However, tragedy struck when in August 1914, Ellen Axson Wilson passed away from kidney disease. 

As World War I was ramping up in Europe, the President met a young widow by the name of Edith Bolling Galt. The comradery and devotion between the couple developed and the couple married on December 18, 1915, at her home in Washington, DC.

Domestically, Wilson is best known for his progressive reforms under what he called the "New Freedom" agenda. This included significant legislation like the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, which created the central banking system that still exists today. He also helped establish the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prevent unfair business practices and supported the Clayton Antitrust Act, strengthening protections against monopolies. Wilson’s administration also saw the passage of progressive income tax and labor reforms, although his record on civil rights was notably poor, as his administration oversaw the segregation of federal offices and did little to support African American rights.
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Internationally, Wilson's presidency was defined by World War I. Though he initially kept the United States neutral, he led the nation into the war in 1917, citing a need to make the world "safe for democracy." His leadership during the war helped mobilize the U.S. military and economy, contributing significantly to the Allied victory. After the war, Wilson became a leading advocate for the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at preventing future conflicts. His vision was encapsulated in his Fourteen Points speech, which laid out principles for peace and self-determination. First Lady Mrs. Wilson accompanied the President to Europe for the peace talks.

However, Wilson’s post-war ambitions faced strong opposition at home. Despite his efforts, the U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles, which included the League of Nations, largely due to concerns over American sovereignty. The rejection was a major blow to Wilson’s legacy and to the effectiveness of the League itself. Compounding this setback, Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke in 1919, which left him incapacitated for the remainder of his presidency and limited his ability to govern.

With the unwavering dedication of Edith Bolling Wilson, Woodrow was able to fulfill his second term as President. After leaving the White House, the couple resided in Washington, DC, where the President lived three years and Mrs. Wilson lived another 37 years. They are the only presidential couple buried in Washington, DC, and they are interred at the Washington National Cathedral.

Earliest known photo of Woodrow Wilson, 1871.

Portrait of President Woodrow Wilson, circa 1919.

Image of the President and First Lady, circa 1919.