Elizabeth Monroe was the wife of James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States, and served as First Lady from 1817 to 1825. Born in New York City on June 30, 1768, she married James Monroe in 1786. Known for her elegance and refined manners, she brought a sense of European style to the White House after spending time in France during her husband’s diplomatic service. Elizabeth was more private than previous First Ladies and limited her public appearances due to health issues. She died in 1830, shortly after her husband.