Abigail Adams: A First Lady Ahead of Her Time
She was one of America’s earliest and most influential advocates for women’s rights, education, and civic responsibility. Let's talk about it.
Jenny Holly Hansen
By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 7, 2025
Abigail Adams (1744–1818), wife of the second U.S. President John Adams and mother of the sixth, John Quincy Adams, was far more than just a figure of domestic history. She was one of America’s earliest and most influential advocates for women’s rights, education, and civic responsibility—decades before these issues became central to the national conversation.
Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Abigail came of age during a time when women had little access to formal education, yet she devoured every book she could find. Her keen intellect and strong moral compass would later shape her influence as a political advisor and voice of reason during the Revolutionary War and the founding years of the United States.
Her famous letter to John Adams in 1776, in which she implored him to “remember the ladies” as he and the Continental Congress drafted new laws for the fledgling nation, remains one of the most iconic early statements in American feminist thought. She warned that if women were not given due consideration, they too might one day rebel. Her words reflect not only her sense of justice but also her deep awareness of the political currents of her time.
Abigail’s correspondence offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of early American politics. As John traveled extensively in his political roles, Abigail served as his confidante and advisor, maintaining an extensive exchange of letters filled with political commentary, observations on society, and guidance. Thomas Jefferson himself acknowledged her formidable intellect and influence.
As First Lady, Abigail broke the mold of what was expected from women in public life. She managed the family’s farm, finances, and household affairs in John’s frequent absences, proving herself capable, resilient, and politically aware. She believed strongly in education for women—not just as a means of personal enrichment, but as a foundation for raising informed citizens.
Abigail Adams' legacy is not merely as the wife or mother of presidents but as a woman whose voice helped shape the moral and intellectual foundations of the United States. Her plea to “remember the ladies” still resonates today, a timeless call for equity, representation, and respect.
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Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.
She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.
She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/. Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social
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