Title: Photograph of Harriet Lane

Description: President Buchanan adored his adopted niece Harriet Lane. Miss Lane thrived as the White House hostess and was the first to be called “first lady.” Evenings at the White House were lively: elaborate dinners, receptions, and all night parties helped smooth over the fierce debates in Congress over the issue of slavery.

Date: c.1860

Creator: Unknown

Credit: Library of Congress