The United States of America’s relatively short history has enjoyed no shortage of quotable quotations from some of our nation’s leaders. (George W. Bush has supplied some of our all-time favorite examples.) But what about their wives? We wholeheartedly agree with the well-known aphorism that says, “Behind every strong man, there is an even stronger woman.” The wives of powerful men have historically acted as both confidants and mentors to their husbands, famously illustrated in John and Abigail Adams’ oft-referenced relationship. Here, we explore 27 of the most memorable quotations from America’s First Ladies, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama.
#1: Martha Washington, “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not our circumstances.”
The relationship between George and Martha Washington has famously been reported throughout history as a strong and selfless union that blossomed into love. After George Washington joined the cause for independence and was taken from his home at Mount Vernon to oversee the Continental Army, Martha visited the military camp where George was stationed every winter. Though she was quoted as finding life in New York as the First Lady “rather dull,” she wrote a letter to the poet and playwright Mercy Otis-Warren, containing this most famous quote of Martha’s.
