When Mary's husband, Abraham Lincoln, became president in 1861, Mary was very excited about her new life as the First Lady. She was the first president's wife to be called "First Lady" in the press. Once Mary became First Lady, she registered as a volunteer nurse and spent time refurbishing the White House. When she had free time, she would take flowers, food, and other items to wounded soldiers. She provided support for the Contraband Relief Association, which helped African Americans who came to the North during the Civil War.

    Mary Todd Lincoln accomplished much in her adult life. She always said that her greatest accomplishment was seeing her husband being inaugurated as president on March 4, 1861. After all of her effort was put into his presidential campaign, she saw that it finally paid off! She knew that Abraham Lincoln would do great things for America, and she would be by his side until the end.