37 Facts About Sarah Hale

Early Life and Education

Sarah Hale's early years shaped her future achievements. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about her beginnings.

1. Born on October 24, 1788, in Newport, New Hampshire, Sarah Hale was the daughter of Captain Gordon Buell and Martha Whittlesay Buell.
2. Her father, a Revolutionary War veteran, instilled in her a sense of patriotism and resilience.
3. Despite limited formal education, Sarah's mother taught her to read and write at home.
4. Sarah's brother, Horatio, attended Dartmouth College and shared his knowledge with her, broadening her intellectual horizons.
5. She became a schoolteacher at age 18, demonstrating her early commitment to education.

Marriage and Family

Sarah Hale's personal life was marked by love and loss, which influenced her later work.

6. In 1813, she married David Hale, a lawyer, and they had five children together.
7. Tragically, David passed away in 1822, leaving Sarah a widow with five young children.
8. To support her family, she turned to writing, a decision that would change her life.

Literary Career

Sarah Hale's literary contributions were vast and impactful. Here are some key points about her career.

9. In 1823, she published her first book, "The Genius of Oblivion," a collection of poems.
10. Her novel "Northwood: Life North and South" was one of the first to address the issue of slavery.
11. She became the editor of "Ladies' Magazine" in 1828, the first magazine edited by a woman for women.
12. In 1837, "Ladies' Magazine" merged with "Godey's Lady's Book," where Sarah continued as editor for 40 years.
13. Under her editorship, "Godey's Lady's Book" became the most widely circulated magazine in the pre-Civil War era.

Advocacy and Influence

Sarah Hale used her platform to advocate for various social causes. Her influence extended beyond literature.

14. She campaigned for the education of women, believing they should have the same opportunities as men.
15. Sarah was instrumental in the founding of Vassar College, one of the first women's colleges in the U.S.
16. She advocated for the creation of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, writing letters to five presidents.
17. Abraham Lincoln finally heeded her request, proclaiming Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
18. Sarah supported the construction of the Bunker Hill Monument, raising funds through her magazine.

Famous Works

Sarah Hale's writings left a lasting legacy. Here are some of her most notable works.

19. "Mary Had a Little Lamb," published in 1830, remains one of her most famous poems.
20. Her book "Woman's Record" (1853) documented the achievements of over 1,600 women.
21. "Flora's Interpreter" (1832) was a popular book on the language of flowers.
22. She wrote numerous cookbooks, including "The Good Housekeeper" (1839), which influenced American cuisine.

Later Years and Legacy

Sarah Hale's later years were marked by continued advocacy and recognition of her contributions.

23. She retired from "Godey's Lady's Book" in 1877 at the age of 89.
24. Sarah lived to see the fruits of her labor, witnessing the establishment of Thanksgiving and women's colleges.
25. She passed away on April 30, 1879, at the age of 90.
26. Her legacy lives on through her writings and the causes she championed.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts about Sarah Hale that highlight her unique personality and contributions.

27. Sarah was a strong advocate for the preservation of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate.
28. She believed in the importance of physical fitness and promoted exercise for women.
29. Sarah was a proponent of the abolition of slavery, using her platform to speak against it.
30. She corresponded with many influential figures of her time, including Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe.
31. Despite her progressive views, Sarah opposed women's suffrage, believing women's influence should be exerted through their roles in the home.

Impact on American Culture

Sarah Hale's influence on American culture is undeniable. Here are some ways she shaped society.

32. Her advocacy for Thanksgiving helped create a unifying national tradition.
33. Through her writings, she helped shape the role of women in 19th-century America.
34. Sarah's promotion of American authors helped establish a distinct American literary tradition.
35. Her work in education paved the way for future generations of women to pursue higher education.
36. The popularity of "Godey's Lady's Book" set the standard for women's magazines for decades.

Recognition and Honors

Sarah Hale's contributions have been recognized in various ways. Here are some honors she received.

37. In 2000, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, cementing her place in history.

Sarah Hale's Lasting Impact

Sarah Hale's contributions to American culture and society are undeniable. From her relentless campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday to her work as a pioneering editor and writer, she left an indelible mark. Her advocacy for women's education and her efforts to preserve historical landmarks like Mount Vernon show her dedication to progress and preservation.

Hale's influence extends beyond her lifetime, inspiring future generations to pursue education, equality, and cultural preservation. Her story reminds us that one person's determination can lead to significant change. As we reflect on her achievements, it's clear that Sarah Hale's legacy continues to shape our world today. Whether through her literary works or her social campaigns, she remains a figure of inspiration and a testament to the power of perseverance.