Cokie Roberts

The founding of the United States was not just the work of men. While the founding fathers were busy making history, the founding mothers were holding the country together. Uncover the incredible, often overlooked accomplishments of the brilliant women who managed farms, businesses, and families while men were away at war. In this engaging illustrated history, you will meet heroic patriots like Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Phillis Wheatley, and Mercy Otis Warren. By reading details gathered from their private letters, journals, and ledgers, you get a front-row seat to the daily courage and strategic thinking of these powerful women. Their bravery behind the scenes played a massive role in orchestrating the American Revolution and shaping the future of a new nation. Step past the famous faces of the founding fathers and discover the remarkable ladies who truly helped raise America.

The story of early America does not end with the American Revolution. As the newly formed nation began to grow and change, a second wave of extraordinary women stepped up to help define the country between 1796 and 1825. Dive into the fascinating lives of reformers, educators, and explorers who shaped the United States as settlers moved west and south. You will meet remarkable figures like Dolley Madison, Rebecca Gratz, and Sacajawea, each leaving their own unique mark on history. Through personal letters, private journals, and vivid biographical portraits, you can see exactly how these visionaries handled their public roles and private challenges. This compelling historical journey brings the early days of the United States to life, honoring the brilliant and courageous women who laid the essential groundwork for a better, stronger society.