Ellen Axson Wilson

Ellen Axson Wilson, born in 1860 in Savannah, Ga., grew up in Georgia’s Rome, and went on to become the First Lady of Princeton University, the First Lady of New Jersey, and the First Lady of the United States, as the beloved first wife of 28th U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

An accomplished American Impressionist artist, Ellen is also credited with being the first First Lady to promote the activism role within the duties of the White House’s official hostess. Ellen also designed and established the White House Rose Garden at the executive mansion.

The Ellen Axson Wilson Homecoming of 2014 celebrated 100 years after her death in August 1914. Her bronze memorial dedicated in 2015 commemorates the achievements of this amazing Renaissance woman, who not only touched Rome, but also the world around her.

Ellen Axson Wilson Statue

Ellen Axson Wilson Statue – Rome, GA

In 2014, the Rome Area Council of Arts dedicated a public piece of art in her honor, and is located at the Town Green. Ellen Axson Wilson Public Art -Learn More

Ellen Axson Wilson Burial Site – Rome, GA

Ellen Axson Wilson is buried in Rome’s historic Myrtle Hill Cemetery. Take the free, self-guided GPS Tour of the cemetery. 

View the Ellen Axson Wilson segment on CSPAN’s First Ladies: