(8) Angelica Van Buren

Sarah "Angelica" Singleton Van Buren

Websites

The White House Historical Association: Angelica Van Buren

First Ladies National Library Biography of Angelica Van Buren

Papers/letters collections

Angelica Singleton Van Buren Collection

Digital Collections: Angelica Singleton Van Buren

Historical sites

Smithsonian Institution Archives: Angelica Van Buren Gowns

Angelica Singleton Van Buren Gravesite

Fascinating details

• Hannah Hoes Van Buren, Martin Van Buren’s wife, died before he was elected president, resulting in Martin Van Buren not having a first lady for a little over a year.
• Angelica Van Buren became first lady to Martin Van Buren 11/27/1838 after marrying Martin Van Buren’s son, Abraham Van Buren II. 
• She implemented some royal manners and practices after a visit to England where she met Queen Victoria and Louise Philippe. 
• Angelica was the cousin of Dolley Madison, first lady to President James Madison.
• Her desire to live an upper-class lifestyle and to re-landscape the White House grounds in a manner akin to European royal gardens was part of the inspiration behind political attacks on the president, considering the country was experiencing a deep economic depression.