Harriet Lane

Harriet Lane
Lane c. 1860
Acting First Lady of the United States
In role
March 4, 1857 – March 4, 1861
PresidentJames Buchanan
Preceded byJane Pierce
Succeeded byMary Todd Lincoln
Personal details
Born
Harriet Rebecca Lane

(1830-05-09)May 9, 1830
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedJuly 3, 1903(1903-07-03) (aged 73)
Narragansett, Rhode Island, U.S.
SpouseHenry Johnston
Children2
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.