A Belle of the Fifties Memoirs of Mrs. Clay of Alabama, covering social and political life in Washington and the South, 1853-1866. Put into narrative form by Ada Sterling

About this book

In the tumultuous years surrounding the Civil War, the Southern United States grappled with profound social and political upheaval. "A Belle of the Fifties: Memoirs of Mrs. Clay of Alabama, covering social and political life in Washington and the South, 1853-1866" by Ada Sterling provides an intimate glimpse into this era through the eyes of Virginia Clay-Clopton. With her keen observations, Mrs. Clay illuminates the complexities of Southern society and the role of women, highlighting the struggle for unalienable rights and the implications of a nation divided. Ideal for historians and civic activists alike, this memoir serves as a vital resource for understanding the intricate tapestry of 19th-century American life, revealing the resilience and agency of women during a pivotal time in history.