Harriet Rebecca Lane Johnston (May 9, 1830 – July 3, 1903) acted as first lady of the United States during the administration of her uncle, lifelong bachelor president James Buchanan, from 1857 to 1861.

Harriet Lane (born May 9, 1830, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.—died July 3, 1903, Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island) was the acting American first lady (1857–61) and the niece of bachelor James Buchanan, 15th president of the United States.

Harriet Lane was a revenue cutter of the United States Revenue Cutter Service and, on the outbreak of the American Civil War, a ship of the United States Navy and later Confederate States Navy.

Lane became the guardian of her uncle’s legacy, overseeing the creation of a memorial to him in Washington, D.C., donating his portrait to the White House, and managing his Wheatland estate and the publication of his papers. Lane also traveled the world, collected art, and fell in love.

Oct 19, 2020 · Behind the scenes, Harriet Lane was the confidante and advisor of the most powerful man in the nation, who held her opinion in the highest esteem. Above all, Harriet Lane was beloved by her country—an icon of the antebellum era and a …

After the sadness of the Pierce administration, the capital eagerly welcomed its new “Democratic Queen” in 1857. Harriet Lane filled the White House with gaiety and flowers, and guided its social life with enthusiasm and discretion, winning national popularity.

After the sadness of the Pierce administration, the capital eagerly welcomed its new "Democratic Queen" in 1857. Harriet Lane filled the White House with gaiety and flowers, and guided its social life with enthusiasm and discretion, winning national popularity.

President James Buchanan's niece Harriet Lane remains one of America's finest First Ladies. Pioneering in her time, Harriet deftly navigated Washington society, championed important...

Harriet’s charm, friendliness, and political savvy made her an accomplished White House Hostess. Her popularity and fashion sense were only a few positive aspects of her uncle’s presidency as war loomed and Southern states began secession from the Union.

Harriet Lane did not disappoint them. Her inaugural gown marked her as a fashion icon, and her penchant for carrying bouquets of roses and vacationing at exclusive spas made her a glamorous figure. Her youth and beauty captivated an American public which named flowers, perfumes, poems, and clothing for her, treating her as American royalty.