Julia Grant was the first First Lady to be covered on a personal basis and watched by the entire nation. This was a change in the coverage of the first family that coincided with the growing interest in the lives of famous people. The Grants were the first presidential family to be so covered, a trend that has continued ever since. Julia was also the first First Lady to be identified by that title. It was in a column by Olivia that Julia was called “the first lady of the land” which is the first newspaper appearance of the title we still use today.
Julia Grant was often criticized, but usually her example was emulated. This was a fundamental change in the role of the First Lady. It marked the beginning of a trend that saw the First Lady transformed into a leading national figure of great influence. Yet, she usually ignored criticism. The White House grounds had always been open to the local citizens as a park. Julia had the grounds closed to the public for the privacy of her children. Her memoirs observed a “ripple of comment” about the first family getting “too exclusive.” The objections had little effect on her, and she later remarked, “The children and I had that beautiful lawn for eight years, and I assure you we enjoyed it.”
If Grant was not a sure and confident President, Julia was a remarkable First Lady. She changed the operation of the White House, and the role of the First Lady. Today, the First Lady is a social and moral leader with influence on many issues. This role began with Julia Grant, a woman who knew just what she wanted and how to get it, and was one of the most effective First Ladies in our history.
