For the fifth straight time, a panel of U.S. historians and scholars has named Eleanor Roosevelt America's best first lady.
The poll conducted by Siena College and C-Span television rates Mrs. Roosevelt tops in six categories -- background, value to the country, leadership, being her own woman, accomplishment, and courage.
Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of President Franklin Roosevelt, who served from 1933 to 1945. She was a symbol of optimism during the dark days of the depression and World War Two.
She later served as a human rights activist with the United Nations, becoming one of the world's most famous and respected women.
Second place in the best first ladies poll went to Abigail Adams, wife of the second U.S. president, John Adams. She was the first woman to live in the White house and was early opponent of slavery.
Jacqueline Kennedy finished third in the poll, Dolley Madison fourth, and current first lady Michelle Obama is fifth.
Others in the top 10 first ladies are Hillary Clinton, "Lady Bird" Johnson, Betty Ford, Martha Washington and Rosalynn Carter.
The poll conducted by Siena College and C-Span television rates Mrs. Roosevelt tops in six categories -- background, value to the country, leadership, being her own woman, accomplishment, and courage.
Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of President Franklin Roosevelt, who served from 1933 to 1945. She was a symbol of optimism during the dark days of the depression and World War Two.
She later served as a human rights activist with the United Nations, becoming one of the world's most famous and respected women.
Second place in the best first ladies poll went to Abigail Adams, wife of the second U.S. president, John Adams. She was the first woman to live in the White house and was early opponent of slavery.
Jacqueline Kennedy finished third in the poll, Dolley Madison fourth, and current first lady Michelle Obama is fifth.
Others in the top 10 first ladies are Hillary Clinton, "Lady Bird" Johnson, Betty Ford, Martha Washington and Rosalynn Carter.