Harriet Lane | |
|---|---|
 Lane c. 1860 | |
| Acting First Lady of the United States | |
| In role March 4, 1857 – March 4, 1861 | |
| President | James Buchanan |
| Preceded by | Jane Pierce |
| Succeeded by | Mary Todd Lincoln |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Harriet Rebecca Lane May 9, 1830 Franklin County, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | July 3, 1903 (aged 73) Narragansett, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Spouse | Henry Johnston |
| Children | 2 |
| Signature |  |
Harriet Rebecca Lane Johnston (May 9, 1830 – July 3, 1903) acted as first lady of the United States during the administration of her uncle, lifelong bachelor president James Buchanan, from 1857 to 1861. She has been described as the first of the modern first ladies, being a notably charming and diplomatic hostess, whose dress-styles were copied, and who promoted deserving causes. In her will, she left funds for a new school on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. Several ships have been named in her honor, including the cutter USCGC Harriet Lane, still in service.