Event of 1886: U.S. President Grover Cleveland marries Frances Folsom in the White House, becom (1886)

Grover Cleveland married Frances Folsom in the White House on June 2, 1886. Folsom, who graduated from Wells College in 1885, became the youngest first lady in American history. The couple maintained a private relationship prior to the wedding, with the president proposing by letter in August 1885.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Frances Folsom met Grover Cleveland as an infant. She graduated from Wells College in June 1885 and spent the summer in New York. Cleveland proposed marriage by letter in August 1885 while Folsom was visiting a friend in Pennsylvania. The planned wedding was kept secret, with Cleveland's sister serving as White House hostess.

Wedding. The White House officially announced the president's intention to marry Frances Folsom. The Folsom women traveled to Washington, D.C., on June 1, 1886. The wedding took place in the Blue Room of the White House on June 2, 1886. Folsom was 21 years old at the time of the marriage.

Historical Significance. Frances Cleveland was the first presidential spouse to marry in the White House. She was also the youngest first lady in American history. The couple drew significant public attention, leading them to avoid using the living quarters of the White House for private life.

People involved

Sources

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