Jane Pierce, born on March 12, 1806, and died on December 2, 1863, served as the First Lady of the United States from 1853 to 1857 during the presidency of her husband, Franklin Pierce. She was recognized for her intellectual pursuits and her role in advancing the arts and education within the White House. Her time in office coincided with the Panic of 1857 and the onset of the Civil War, which had a profound impact on her and the country.