Facts about Angelica Van Buren: Fact Sheet of Angelica Van Buren Facts and Info: This fast fact sheet provides important information about Angelica Van Buren, First Lady of the United States of America. Facts about Angelica Van Buren: Fast Overview of Events in the White House Facts and Info: Angelica Van Buren assumed the position of First Lady to President Martin Van Buren. She witnessed the important events of his presidency that included the economic depression, known as the "Panic of 1837." It was also the time when Native Americans were forced to move to Oklahoma Indian Territory and the infamous the “Trail of Tears.” Personality and Character: Angelica Van Buren Quotes Facts and Info: An insight into the personal views, character and personality of this First Lady may be obtained from the following Angelica Van Buren quote by a Boston Post journalist: "She is represented as being a lady of rare accomplishments, very modest, yet perfectly easy and graceful in her manners, and free and vivacious in her conversation." Facts about Angelica Van Buren: First Events Facts and Info: She was the 1st First Lady to copy the manners of noble Europeans at the White House. She had toured Europe and been presented to the royal court of England where she met Queen Victoria and the royal court of France where she had met King Louis Philippe. Facts about the Causes and Accomplishments of Angelica Van Buren Facts and Info: First Ladies are not elected so have no official role. Their accomplishments are therefore based on their own particular wishes that ranged from political interests, humanitarian and charitable causes or duties relating to their family or social responsibilities. The accomplishments of Angelica Van Buren were focussed on her role as hostess in the White House. Facts about Angelica Van Buren: The Life of Angelica Van Buren Facts and Info: Angelica was the daughter of wealthy plantation owner Richard Singleton and Rebecca Travis Coles and born on February 13, 1818 in Wedgefield, South Carolina. She was a cousin of Dolley Madison, the popular First Lady of President James Madison. Angelica was raised with the cream of southern society and married Abraham, the eldest son of President Martin Van Buren in November 1838. Angelica was described as "a lovely, charming belle with Roman goddess features, dark, expressive eyes, fashionable corkscrew curls and a long neck". On January 1, 1839, Angelica Van Buren assumed the duties of hostess at the age of 21, the youngest woman ever to hold the title of First Lady. Angelica sought help and advice from her cousin Dolley Madison on the role of First Lady and despite her age made a favorable impression with the public. She was as reported as being "a lady of rare accomplishments" who was "free and vivacious in her conversation". Angelica and her husband went on a delayed honeymoon to Europe and attended functions at the European courts. Angelica was highly impressed by the elegant manners displayed by the nobility and the traditions, etiquette and the customs of the palaces and courts which included a highly formal manner in receiving guests. Angelica returned to America where she once again assumed the role of First Lady to her father-in-law, President Martin Van Buren. Facts about Angelica Van Buren: The "Gold Spoon Oration" Her recent experiences in Europe inspired Angelica to create a similar court life in the White House as she had witnessed in the courts of Great Britain and France. Angelica Van Buren's aunt Sally Stevenson, the wife of the US Minister to Great Britain, expressed concern over the pretentious and haughty behaviour of her niece and wrote "[I pity] the unfortunate being whose duty or necessity it may be to give the rousing shake…to awaken [Angelica Van Buren from] such dreams." Angelica was criticized as being overly extravagant whilst the country was suffering a serious economic depression. Angelica's extravagant plan to re-landscape the White House lawns and refurbish furniture in the White House led to the "Gold Spoon Oration" in Congress in April 1840 by Congressman Charles Ogle, in which the President was accused of adopting an opulent life style. The "Gold Spoon Oration" received extensive publicity and was so damaging to the President Martin Van Buren that he failed to be re-elected as President - he had become known by the nickname of 'President Van Ruin'. Angelica left the white House when her father-in-law's presidency came to an end in 1841. Angelica moved into Lindenwald, the country estate of the former President in the Hudson River Valley village of Kinderhook, New York where she raised three sons. Angelica Van Buren died December 29, 1877 and was buried beside her husband at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York. |