Main Content

Lucretia Garfield

Lucretia Garfield

Lucretia Rudolph Garfield, nicknamed "Crete" by her husband, never really enjoyed the formal entertaining required of a first lady. The president sought her political opinion and companionship constantly, and when she became ill at the White House, he was distraught. Mrs. Garfield was at the New Jersey seaside recovering from her illness when Charles Julius Guiteau shot President Garfield. She immediately returned to Washington to care for the president, and was praised by the country for her devotion and strength.

Photographer
Mathew Brady

Share

Related

Related
Next The History of Wine and the White House

You Might Also Like

  • Podcast

    The History of Wine and the White House

    Featuring Frederick J. Ryan, author of “Wine and the White House: A History" and member of the White House Historical Association’s National Council on White House History

  • Collection

    The Carter White House 1977 - 1981

    On January 20, 1977, Jimmy Carter was inaugurated as the thirty-ninth president of the United States. During his time in the White House (1977–81), President Carter made many decisions guided by his fundamental commitment to peace and democratic values, emphasizing human and civil rights above all else. Putting these ideals into practice, President Carter negotiated the Camp David Accords, secured the release of Am

  • Collection

    The 2024 White House Christmas Ornament

    Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2024 design and learn more about President Jimmy Carter. Buy the

  • Collection

    The 2021 White House Christmas Ornament

    Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2021 design and learn more about President Lyndon B. Johnson.Buy

  • Collection

    Native Americans and the White House

    Native Americans hold a significant place in White House history. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples, including the Nacotchtank and Piscataway, lived in the Potomac Valley prior to the construction of the White House. Since that time, Native Americans have come to the Executive Mansion to share their cultural heritage, meet with presidents, protest, and advocate for Indigenous rights. In