Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most influential figures in American history, was a trailblazer who redefined the role of First Lady and became a tireless advocate for human rights, social justice, and equality.
Born into privilege but marked by personal tragedy, she rose above societal expectations to carve out a legacy of compassion and leadership.
From her transformative years at Allenswood Academy to her instrumental role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Eleanor’s life was a testament to resilience and purpose.
This timeline chronicles the remarkable journey of a woman who dedicated herself to improving the lives of others and shaping the course of history. Each moment reveals her unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.
October 11, 1884 | Anna Eleanor Roosevelt is born in New York City to Elliott Roosevelt and Anna Hall Roosevelt. She is the niece of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. |
1892 | Her mother dies of diphtheria, and shortly after, her father dies of alcoholism-related health issues, leaving her orphaned at the age of 10. |
1899–1902 | Attends Allenswood Academy, a prestigious boarding school in England, where she is deeply influenced by the headmistress, Marie Souvestre, who encourages independent thinking and social awareness. |
March 17, 1905 | Marries Franklin Delano Roosevelt, her fifth cousin once removed. Theodore Roosevelt gives her away at the wedding. |
1906–1916 | Gives birth to six children, one of whom, Franklin Jr., dies in infancy. The surviving children are Anna, James, Franklin Jr. (second), Elliott, and John. |
1910 | Franklin Roosevelt is elected to the New York State Senate, and Eleanor begins accompanying him to events, marking the start of her involvement in public life. |
1918 | Discovers Franklin’s affair with her social secretary, Lucy Mercer, profoundly affecting their marriage. They remain together but redefine their partnership, with Eleanor focusing on personal growth and activism. |
1920 | Franklin runs unsuccessfully for Vice President on the Democratic ticket. |
1921 | Franklin contracts polio, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Eleanor becomes instrumental in his rehabilitation and political comeback. |
1924 | Joins the Women’s Trade Union League and advocates for workers’ rights and social justice. |
1927 | Helps establish Val-Kill Industries in Hyde Park, a furniture factory aimed at providing rural workers with jobs. |
1928 | Franklin is elected Governor of New York, and Eleanor becomes active in state politics, expanding her public speaking and advocacy roles. |
March 4, 1933 | Franklin Roosevelt is inaugurated as the 32nd President of the United States. Eleanor becomes the most active First Lady in U.S. history, transforming the role by championing human rights, civil rights, and social welfare programs. |
1933 | Begins holding regular press conferences for female journalists, advocating for gender equality in the workplace. |
1935 | Plays a key role in supporting the New Deal programs, particularly those addressing unemployment, youth programs, and women’s rights. |
1939 | Publicly supports Marian Anderson, an African American opera singer, after the Daughters of the American Revolution refuse to let her perform at Constitution Hall. She arranges for Anderson to sing at the Lincoln Memorial instead. |
1941 | After the U.S. enters World War II, Eleanor travels extensively to visit troops and inspect military bases, becoming a morale booster for soldiers and advocating for the rights of women and minorities in wartime industries. |
1942 | Helps establish the Office of Civilian Defense, focusing on civil preparedness and volunteer efforts during the war. |
April 12, 1945 | Franklin Roosevelt dies, and Eleanor leaves the White House. She declares, “The story is over,” but soon embarks on an even more active public life. |
December 1945 | Appointed by President Harry Truman as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. |
1946 | Becomes the first chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, playing a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. |
1948 | The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is adopted by the United Nations, with Eleanor’s leadership widely praised. |
1950 | Writes the book If You Ask Me, sharing her thoughts on social and political issues. |
1953 | Resigns from the United Nations after Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes president, but continues her activism through writing, lecturing, and traveling. |
1957 | Publishes her autobiography, The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. |
1960 | Supports John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign, although initially skeptical about his commitment to civil rights. |
1961 | President Kennedy reappoints her to the United Nations and appoints her chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. |
1962 | Continues writing her syndicated newspaper column, My Day, which she started in 1935, until shortly before her death. |
November 7, 1962 | Dies at the age of 78 in New York City from bone marrow tuberculosis. |
Timeline of Eleanor Roosevelt
October 11, 1884
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt is born in New York City to Elliott Roosevelt and Anna Hall Roosevelt. Her father, Elliott, is the younger brother of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, while her mother comes from the prominent Hall family.
Also Read: Facts About Eleanor Roosevelt
Although born into wealth and privilege, her early years are marked by emotional neglect and feelings of inadequacy, as her mother often criticized her appearance, calling her “granny.”

1892
At the age of eight, Eleanor faces the devastating loss of both parents. Her mother dies of diphtheria, and her father, battling alcoholism and depression, dies two years later after being confined to an asylum.
Also Read: Accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt
She and her younger brothers are sent to live with their maternal grandmother, Mary Ludlow Hall, in Tivoli, New York. This loss profoundly shapes her empathy for those experiencing hardship and loneliness.
1899–1902
Eleanor attends Allenswood Academy in England, a progressive girls’ boarding school. The headmistress, Marie Souvestre, takes a particular interest in Eleanor, encouraging her intellectual growth and fostering her independence. At Allenswood, Eleanor gains confidence and begins to develop the social awareness and moral responsibility that will define her future activism.
March 17, 1905
Eleanor marries Franklin Delano Roosevelt, her fifth cousin once removed, in a high-profile wedding. President Theodore Roosevelt walks her down the aisle in place of her late father.
Despite her excitement about the marriage, Eleanor soon realizes the challenges of joining the influential Roosevelt family, as she navigates her role as wife to an ambitious man with political aspirations.
1906–1916
During this decade, Eleanor gives birth to six children: Anna, James, Franklin Jr. (who dies in infancy), Elliott, Franklin Jr. (second), and John.
While raising her family, she struggles with feelings of inadequacy and the constraints of traditional domestic roles. These years serve as a foundation for her understanding of the demands placed on women, particularly mothers.

1910
Franklin is elected to the New York State Senate, and Eleanor begins participating in political life by attending events and hosting gatherings. Although initially reserved, she gradually grows more comfortable engaging with political figures and public issues, setting the stage for her future activism.
1918
Eleanor discovers Franklin’s affair with her social secretary, Lucy Mercer, after finding love letters between them. This revelation nearly ends their marriage, but Eleanor agrees to remain with Franklin, partly for the sake of their children and his political career. This painful experience marks a turning point, leading her to seek personal fulfillment outside of their marriage.
1920
Franklin runs for Vice President on the Democratic ticket with James M. Cox. The campaign introduces Eleanor to national politics, and while the ticket loses to Warren G. Harding, she gains insight into the workings of political campaigns and begins forming her own network of political connections.
1921
Franklin contracts polio while vacationing in Canada, leaving him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Eleanor steps into a more active role in his life, helping him navigate his disability and regain confidence. She becomes his political partner, supporting his ambitions while also carving out her own identity in public service.
1924
Eleanor joins the Women’s Trade Union League, where she advocates for better wages, working conditions, and the eight-hour workday. She builds relationships with women in the labor movement, learning about the struggles of working-class Americans and strengthening her commitment to social justice.

1927
Eleanor co-founds Val-Kill Industries in Hyde Park, New York. The furniture factory provides jobs for rural workers and promotes self-reliance during a time of economic instability. Val-Kill is also a retreat where Eleanor begins hosting political and social discussions, furthering her role as a leader in her own right.
1928
When Franklin is elected Governor of New York, Eleanor takes on an increasingly public role, delivering speeches and attending events on his behalf. She begins writing articles and teaching at the Todhunter School for Girls, focusing on education and social reform.
March 4, 1933
Franklin is inaugurated as the 32nd President of the United States during the depths of the Great Depression. As First Lady, Eleanor revolutionizes the role, using it as a platform to advocate for the poor, minorities, and women. She embarks on nationwide tours to observe the effects of the Depression firsthand and report back to Franklin.
1933
Eleanor begins holding press conferences exclusively for female journalists, a groundbreaking move that provides career opportunities for women in media and ensures women’s voices are included in political coverage. Her bold actions help push gender equality into the national conversation.
1935
Eleanor plays a critical role in the success of New Deal programs by promoting initiatives like the National Youth Administration, which provides job training and employment opportunities for young Americans. She works tirelessly to ensure that women and minorities benefit from these programs.
1939
Eleanor resigns from the Daughters of the American Revolution after they refuse to allow Marian Anderson, a Black opera singer, to perform at Constitution Hall. She arranges for Anderson to sing at the Lincoln Memorial, drawing an audience of 75,000 and national attention to civil rights issues.
1941
During World War II, Eleanor travels to visit troops stationed abroad and inspects military bases. She champions the inclusion of women and minorities in wartime industries and supports efforts to integrate the armed forces, challenging systemic discrimination.

1942
Eleanor helps establish the Office of Civilian Defense, focusing on civilian preparedness and mobilizing volunteers to support the war effort. Her work strengthens national unity and highlights the importance of grassroots involvement in times of crisis.
April 12, 1945
Franklin dies suddenly while serving his fourth term as President. Eleanor, devastated by his death, declares, “The story is over,” but quickly resumes her work in public service, shifting her focus to global human rights.
December 1945
Eleanor is appointed by President Harry Truman as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. She becomes a leading voice on human rights and peacebuilding, laying the groundwork for her enduring legacy as an international diplomat.
1946
As the first chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Eleanor spearheads the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her leadership and dedication to this cause cement her reputation as a global humanitarian.
1948
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is adopted by the United Nations, marking a milestone in international law. Eleanor’s contributions are hailed as pivotal, earning her admiration from leaders and citizens worldwide.
1950
Eleanor publishes If You Ask Me, a book addressing common questions and concerns from the public. Her approachable and thoughtful responses reflect her connection to everyday people and her commitment to addressing societal issues.
1953
After Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes President, Eleanor resigns from the United Nations but continues her activism through writing, lecturing, and advocating for civil rights and social equality. She remains a powerful influence on the national stage.
1957
Eleanor publishes her autobiography, The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. The book offers an intimate look at her life, struggles, and triumphs, inspiring readers with her candid reflections.
1960
Eleanor supports John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign, helping to rally progressive Democrats and women voters. Though initially skeptical of Kennedy’s commitment to civil rights, she advises him on critical issues and influences his policy decisions.
1961
President Kennedy reappoints Eleanor to the United Nations and names her chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. She leads efforts to address gender discrimination and advocate for women’s economic and social opportunities.
1962
Eleanor writes her final entries for her newspaper column, My Day, which she began in 1935. Her column provided a unique window into her thoughts on contemporary issues, from civil rights to international relations, and cemented her role as a trusted voice.
November 7, 1962
Eleanor Roosevelt dies at the age of 78 in New York City from bone marrow tuberculosis. Her death marks the loss of one of the most influential figures in American history, but her legacy endures as a symbol of compassion, courage, and tireless dedication to justice.