History

The First Lady Who Charmed a Russian Tsar

Come for the protocol, stay for the accusation of pimping and prostitution

Nov 23, 2020 · 9 min read

Louisa Adams in a muslin dress with a blue sash. Her ash-blonde hair is thick and curly. — Louisa painted by Edward Savage, public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Louisa Adams in a muslin dress with a blue sash. Her ash-blonde hair is thick and curly. — Louisa painted by Edward Savage, public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

If you’re ever on Jeopardy!, here’s what you need to know about Louisa Adams: until Melania Trump, she was the only First Lady born outside the United States.