Grave of Mary McElroy.

Grave of Mary McElroy, Pres. Arthur's Substitute First Lady

Chester Arthur's wife was dead before he became President, so the duties of First Lady fell to Mary Arthur McElroy, the youngest of his eight siblings. Mary was 40 years old, with a husband and kids in Albany, so as "Mistress of The White House" she entertained only during the busy winter social seasons. By all accounts she did a commendable job -- in fact, The White House during the Arthur administration was known for its gala parties.

When Mary died in 1917 she was buried in another part of the same cemetery as her famous older brother, under a simple tombstone that mentions nothing of her years in The White House.

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Grave of Mary McElroy, Pres. Arthur's Substitute First Lady

Albany Rural Cemetery

Address:: Albany Rural Cemetery Rd, Menands, NY
Directions:: Just north of Albany. I-787 exit 7W. Drive west on Hwy 378 for two miles. Turn right and enter the cemetery. Ask at the office for a map to the grave of "Mary Arthur, Wife of John E. McElroy." Lot 5, Section 19.
Hours:: Gates open daily M-F 8:30-4, Sa 8:30-12 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 518-463-7017

Nearby Offbeat Places

Grave of Chester A. Arthur, Menands, NY - < 1 mi.

Grave of Charles Fort, Menands, NY - < 1 mi.

False Grave of Uncle Sam, Troy, NY - 2 mi.

In the region:

Lighthouse Atop Mount Greylock, Adams, MA - 29 mi.

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