Eliza Monroe Hay’s Legacy Resurfaces Through Her Final Letters
Eliza Monroe Hay, the eldest daughter of U.S. President James Monroe, is gaining renewed attention following research that sheds light on her life through her last letters. Historically overlooked, Eliza’s story reveals a complex narrative of personal struggle and familial duty, particularly during her father’s presidency when she assumed the role of First Lady due to her mother’s illness.
The letters, preserved in the William & Mary Libraries Special Collections Research Center, became the foundation of a dedicated research project led by Barbara VornDick, a part-time docent at the Monroe family home, Highland. VornDick discovered a lack of information regarding Eliza’s contributions at the historical site and felt compelled to delve deeper into her life.
Eliza’s portrayal over the years has been simplistic and often negative. She has been described as “outspoken” and “bossy,” with an implication that she deserted her family to live in Paris. Intrigued by these characterizations, VornDick began her investigation at Swem Library, where she uncovered letters from Eliza written during her final years in Paris.
“
Holding Eliza’s letters grabbed my heart, and the things that she wrote in there I needed to explore,”
VornDick stated, reflecting on her initial encounter with the documents.
The letters portray a far different reality. Eliza moved to Paris in search of better health, not as a means of abandoning her family. She faced significant hardships, including the theft of her inheritance, which left her destitute. Ultimately, she passed away far from home, buried in a Paris cemetery with a plot purchased by Daniel Brent, an American diplomat who recognized her name and legacy.
VornDick’s research culminated in the publication of a comprehensive biography titled “Eliza’s True Story: The First Biography of President Monroe’s Eldest Daughter.” However, her commitment to Eliza’s legacy did not end there. After learning that Eliza’s grave was scheduled to be exhumed and resold, VornDick initiated a project to repatriate Eliza’s remains to Virginia.
This endeavor required obtaining permissions from Eliza’s descendants and those of Brent, making the process complex and time-consuming. VornDick recounted the skepticism she faced: “Comments were made like, ‘This is not going to happen; they’re never going to do this.’ I just knew it was the right thing to do. You just keep going for two years, and then all of a sudden, it’s happening. Part of me still can’t believe it.”
Eliza’s remains were successfully returned to the United States on May 21, 2025. A reinterment ceremony is scheduled for October 23, 2025, at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, where she will be honored alongside her family. This event symbolizes the restoration of her place in history and family.
“I couldn’t help but cry,” VornDick shared, reflecting on the emotional moment of kneeling by Eliza’s coffin.
Through her extensive research, VornDick has become an advocate for Eliza Monroe Hay, a role that Eliza never had during her lifetime. VornDick emphasized the broader implications of her work, stating, “If we could make this right for Eliza, maybe in a small way we were trying to make it right for other women who suffered a similar fate in their lives. And I think it needs to come to the fore.”
As the story of Eliza Monroe Hay unfolds, it highlights not only her personal struggles but also the historical narratives of women who have been marginalized. Those interested in learning more about James Monroe and his family can explore resources available through the World of James Monroe Online (WJMO), which offers free access to archives from various Virginia institutions, including materials utilized by VornDick in her research.
The legacy of Eliza Monroe Hay is finally receiving the recognition it deserves, thanks to the dedication of individuals like VornDick, who continue to advocate for those whose stories have long been forgotten.
