# Ellen Axson Wilson

> First Lady of the United States from 1913 to 1914

**Wikidata**: [Q234283](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234283)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Axson_Wilson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ellen-axson-wilson

## Summary
Ellen Axson Wilson was an American artist and the First Lady of the United States from 1913 to 1914 during her husband Woodrow Wilson's presidency. She is recognized for her contributions to the arts and her brief but impactful tenure in the White House, where she supported the establishment of the White House Rose Garden.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 15, 1860
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: Studied art at the Art Students League of New York
- **Known for**: First Lady of the United States (1913–1914), artist
- **Employer(s)**: Affiliated with the Art Students League of New York
- **Field(s)**: Art, politics

## Contributions
Ellen Axson Wilson was an accomplished artist, though specific works are not detailed in the source material. Her most notable contribution during her time as First Lady was advocating for the creation of the White House Rose Garden, which was established in 1913. This garden has since become a historic and symbolic site in American politics.

## FAQs
**What was Ellen Axson Wilson's role as First Lady?**  
Ellen Axson Wilson served as First Lady from 1913 until her death in 1914. During her tenure, she supported the arts and initiated the development of the White House Rose Garden.

**What were her artistic pursuits?**  
She was an artist and studied at the Art Students League of New York. Her work reflects her dedication to the arts, though specific pieces are not highlighted in available records.

**How long did she serve as First Lady?**  
Her tenure lasted from March 1913 until her death in August 1914, making her one of the shortest-serving First Ladies in U.S. history.

**What legacy did she leave behind?**  
Her advocacy for the White House Rose Garden stands as a lasting contribution to the White House grounds, symbolizing her blend of artistic and political influence.

## Why They Matter
Ellen Axson Wilson's significance lies in her dual role as a political figure and an artist. Her brief time as First Lady underscored the importance of integrating arts into public life, exemplified by her efforts to establish the Rose Garden. Her early death limited her direct impact, but her legacy endures through the garden and her representation of the intersection of art and politics in American history.

## Notable For
- First Lady of the United States (1913–1914)
- Artist affiliated with the Art Students League of New York
- Advocate for the creation of the White House Rose Garden
- Member of Georgia Women of Achievement

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Ellen Axson Wilson was born on May 15, 1860. She pursued artistic training at the Art Students League of New York, reflecting her commitment to the arts from an early age.

### Career and Artistic Pursuits
As an artist, Wilson engaged with the New York art scene through her affiliation with the Art Students League. While specific artworks are not documented in the source material, her education and involvement with the League highlight her dedication to artistic practice.

### Tenure as First Lady
During her husband Woodrow Wilson's presidency, Ellen served as First Lady from 1913 until her death in 1914. A key achievement during this period was her role in establishing the White House Rose Garden in 1913, a project that combined her artistic sensibilities with her public role. This garden has since hosted numerous historic events, including presidential announcements and ceremonies.

### Legacy and Recognition
Wilson's contributions are recognized by her inclusion in the Georgia Women of Achievement, honoring her impact on both the arts and American political history. Her brief tenure as First Lady left a lasting mark through the Rose Garden, symbolizing the enduring connection between art and public service.

### Personal Life and Death
Ellen Axson Wilson died on August 6, 1914, at the age of 54, concluding her role as First Lady. Her life exemplified the balance between personal artistic passion and public duty, leaving behind a legacy that transcends her short time in the White House.

## References

1. Directory of Southern Women Artists
2. [Source](https://www.whitehousehistory.org/questions/who-has-died-in-the-white-house)
3. BnF authorities
4. Genealogics
5. Ellen Axson Wilson. New Georgia Encyclopedia
6. [Source](https://www.georgiawomen.org/gwa-hall-of-fame)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. SNAC
10. Find a Grave
11. The Peerage
12. FemBio database
13. GeneaStar
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Virtual International Authority File
16. [Source](https://library.si.edu/art-and-artist-files)