“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.” ~Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams was the second first lady, known for being a trusted political advisor to her husband and an outspoken believer in women’s rights. However, this isn’t the full story.
Adams was born at a time when women didn’t receive a formal education. She was taught how to read at home and took advantage of her family’s extensive libraries to further her learning. She was very bright and curious, always seeking new opportunities to further her knowledge, which earned her the title of one of the most academically accomplished women of her time.
In 1764, Abigail and John Adams were married. Her mother didn’t immediately approve of the match because he was just a country lawyer at the time. However, the couple genuinely cared for each other, so she eventually gave in. The mutual care and respect in their marriage is abundantly clear from the extensive letters the two wrote to each other.
Since John Adams had to spend a lot of time away on political business, Abigail Adams was often left to run their property alone. She regularly made decisions about their family finances and the farm’s workforce without John’s input. Many consider this to be a feminist act of the time, but it was really just a necessity.
Because of her famous quote, “Remember the ladies,” Adams is typically regarded as a woman with outspoken and liberal political views. If one were to read more of her letters, the reader will conclude that was not the case. While she firmly believed that women deserved better education and was an avid abolitionist, that was where her “liberal” views ended. Beyond receiving higher education, she believed that women should fulfil a domestic role in society. And while she often participated in political discussions, they were primarily confined to private conversations with her husband.
Even though Abigail Adams was not quite the feminist icon she is considered by many today, she was still a strong, well educated, and an incredible woman. Her letters have provided us with one of the greatest historical references into the life of an early first lady through her unique experiences and perspective.
In 2007, the U.S. Mint launched the Presidential Dollars program. The First Spouse commemorative series was launched the same year and follows the same release pattern, ensuring the designs of the first ladies are released at the same time as their respective presidential husbands. Abigail Adams was featured on the $10 gold coin released in 2007. The obverse of this coin features the official portrait of Adams. She stares at you, her gaze filled with strength and determination. The dates of her time as first lady, 1797-1801, are inscribed below her portrait. The reverse shows Adams writing a letter to her husband. This is an important image because John Adams was often traveling for his political work, and the two wrote each other thousands of letters to stay in touch. The coin also highlights the first words of her famous quote, “Remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands…” This coin represents the letters that give us an inside look into the life of a first lady, a fitting highlight for this series.