This website is devoted to the life, letters, and legacy of Dolley Payne Todd Madison, wife of James Madison and the most important First Lady of the 19th Century. We have included the following materials to help you understand Mrs. Madison and to read her letters.

For more information, contact hshulman@virginia.edu

Background Essays on Dolley Madison: 1768-1801;  1801-1817;  1817-1837;  1837-1849

A Chronology of the life of Dolley Madison (1768 - 1849)

Frequently Asked Questions about Dolley Madison

What's in a Name?

Who's Writing Dolley?

Reading 18^th Century Handwriting

Articles, books, and other sources on Dolley Madison

For more on James Madison

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