Dolley Madison, video by HISTORY®If Dolley Madison is remembered for one thing, it is the saving of Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington from the White House. Despite the warnings of her husband and others, Dolley stayed in the Executive Mansion until the last moment, saving what she could of public property and leaving her own belongings to burn. Although stories vary about how the portrait of Washington was saved, all seem to agree it was Dolley’s initiative. After the destruction of the White House, Dolley described the events: “Two hours before the enemy entered the city . . . I sent out the silver (nearly all) and velvet curtains and General Washington’s picture.”
If Dolley Madison is remembered for one thing, it is the saving of Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington from the White House. Despite the warnings of her husband and others, Dolley stayed in the Executive Mansion until the last moment, saving what she could of public property and leaving her own belongings to burn. Although stories vary about how the portrait of Washington was saved, all seem to agree it was Dolley’s initiative. After the destruction of the White House, Dolley described the events: “Two hours before the enemy entered the city . . . I sent out the silver (nearly all) and velvet curtains and General Washington’s picture.”
