Over 50 women have held the role of First Lady of the United States, however, they have all been more than just the wives, daughters, or nieces of the nation's leaders. Until the 20th century, most of these women had little education, no careers, and were expected only to stand beside the country's leaders. But even before women had the right to vote, some of them still wielded great power, becoming prominent figures in US politics and culture. Then there are those who built up impressive resumes prior to becoming first ladies.
So click on to discover the lives of America's first ladies before they moved into the White House.