Julia Gardiner Tyler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julia Gardiner Tyler
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Tyler's White House Portrait (September 1844)
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| First Lady of the United States | |
| In role June 26, 1844 – March 4, 1845 |
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| President | John Tyler |
| Preceded by | Priscilla Tyler (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Sarah Polk |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Julia Gardiner
May 4, 1820 Gardiner's Island, New York, US |
| Died | July 10, 1889 (aged 69) Richmond, Virginia, US |
| Resting place | Hollywood Cemetery Richmond, Virginia, US |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 7, including David Gardiner Tyler, John Alexander Tyler and Lyon Gardiner Tyler |
| Parents | David Gardiner Juliana MacLachlan |
| Signature |  |
Julia Gardiner Tyler (born May 4, 1820 – died July 10, 1889) was an important figure in American history. She became the second wife of John Tyler, who was the tenth President of the United States. Julia served as the First Lady of the United States from June 26, 1844, to March 4, 1845.
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Early Life of Julia Gardiner Tyler
Julia Gardiner Tyler was born on Gardiners Island in New York. This island is one of the largest privately owned islands in the United States. Her father, David Gardiner, was a landowner and a New York State Senator. Her mother was Juliana MacLachlan Gardiner.
Julia received her education at the Chegary Institute in New York. In 1839, her family took a trip to Europe. They visited many countries, including England, France, and Italy. They returned to New York in September 1841.
Becoming First Lady of the United States
On January 20, 1842, 21-year-old Julia met President John Tyler at a White House party. He first asked her to marry him in February 1843, but she said no.
Julia, her sister, and her father joined President Tyler on a trip. They were on a new ship called the Princeton. During this trip, a large naval gun called the Peacemaker exploded. Julia's father, David Gardiner, and many others died in the accident.
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Julia was very sad about her father's death. President Tyler comforted her during this hard time. He asked her to marry him again in 1844, and this time she agreed. They kept their engagement a secret for a while.
After their wedding, they had a reception at the White House. They also stayed at Sherwood Forest Plantation, an estate President Tyler bought. Julia really enjoyed her duties as First Lady.
Julia Tyler made an important change to White House traditions. The song "Hail to the Chief" had been played before when the President arrived. But Julia ordered that it be played regularly to announce the President's arrival. This practice became a tradition.
In the last month of President Tyler's time in office, Julia hosted a big White House party. About 3,000 guests attended this event.
Later Life and Legacy
The Tylers moved to Sherwood Forest Plantation after President Tyler left office. They lived there peacefully until the American Civil War. After her husband died in 1862, Julia moved north to Staten Island.
She later became a Roman Catholic in May 1872. A financial crisis in 1873 made her money problems worse. She returned to Virginia to live with her grown children. In 1880, she asked Congress for financial help and received a monthly payment. After President James A. Garfield was assassinated in 1881, Congress gave former presidents' widows an annual payment of $5,000.
Personal Life and Family
Julia and John decided to have a quiet wedding because of her father's death. On June 26, 1844, President Tyler came to New York City. They were married at the Church of the Ascension. This church was near the Gardiner family home. Julia was the first First Lady to marry a President who was already in office.
Julia's sister, Margaret, and brother, Alexander, were part of the wedding. Only President Tyler's son, John Tyler III, was there from his family. President Tyler wanted to keep the wedding a secret from his other children. When the news came out, people were very interested. Between 1846 and 1860, Julia and John had seven children together.
Death and Honors
Julia Tyler had a stroke in Richmond, Virginia. She died there on July 10, 1889, at 69 years old. She was buried next to President Tyler at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.
In Bay Shore, New York, several places are named after her family. These include Gardiner's Park, Gardiner Drive, and Gardiner Manor Elementary School. In 2009, the United States Mint honored Julia Tyler. They released a 24-karat gold coin with her image. The papers of the Tyler family, including Julia Gardiner Tyler, are kept at the College of William and Mary.
See also
In Spanish: Julia Tyler para niños
