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First Lady of the United States (1857-1861)

For ships named Harriet Lane, see USCGC Harriet Lane.

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For the British writer, see Harriet Lane (author).

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.

Status

Lane is the only person to have served as First Lady to a bachelor president, Buchanan being the only U.S.

president never to have married. She is among 11 women who have served as First Lady, but were not married to the