Mary Todd Lincoln's Shopping Spree

Mary Todd Lincoln's shopping excursions in December 1860 sparked significant attention, especially following her husband's election as President. She freely selected lavish items, with merchants eager to extend credit to the future First Lady, which contributed to her enjoyable experience amidst New York's elite. However, over time, her extravagant spending became a focal point of public discussion overshadowing her other contributions. Reports exaggerating her purchases, including expensive items like 300 pairs of gloves and a $5,000 shawl, presented a skewed perception of her shopping habits.