Born this day in 1830, Harriet Rebecca Lane Johnston, served as First Lady in the White house from 1857 to 1861. Lane was the niece to confirmed bachelor United States President James Buchanan. She is one of a small group of women who served as the First Lady without being married to the President. A popular First Lady, her style of hair and dress were copied. Lane used her position to improve the well being of Native Americans reservation life. Lane invited the Arts into the White house and as an advocate Lane is considered the first modern First Lady.
