Women of the 18th century were more than mothers and housewives. They were writers, activists, mathematicians, and more. They even influenced men in their political thinking. One such woman was Abigail Adams. Abigail Adams was the wife and mother of a president of the United States, which alone makes her unique.
She also had strong opinions about the issues of society. She was an advocate of anti-slavery and women's rights. She also influenced and helped her husband, John Adams, in evolving his political career and ideology. We see this through her letters to her husband and others. For example, in her letter of March 31, 1776, to John, she tells him not to forget the ladies, when the Congress was writing the new land laws.
For more information about the life and times of this remarkable woman, look at these informative resources.
- National Women's Hall of Fame
This is a short biography of Adams, on the National Women's Hall of Fame website. - Abigail Adams Birthplace
You can visit the birthplace of Abigail in Weymouth Massachusetts. This site gives information about the historic site and how to get there. - The Adams Papers
The papers of the Adams are located at the Massachusetts Historical Society. This site contains information about the collection.