War. It changed hands over 26 times. Andrew and eliza did purchase slaves so they had domestic help. It was used as a hospital, as a place to stay. It was basically destroyed. Eliza being ill with tuberculosis wasnt able to get out much. Eliza received many gifts that she brought home with her. This is the room she returned to after her years in the white house. She was just obscure as she probably would have wanted it but she is who he needed. Abraham lincolns assassination just weeks after his second inaugural shocked a war ravaged nation and brought his southern democrat Vice President Andrew Johnson into the white house. Johnsons wife eliza was 54 years old and an invalid when she was thrust into the role of first lady determined to be a helpmate to her husband as he navigated the turbulent end of the civil war, reconstruction in the south, and his own impeachment. This week on cspans first ladies the life and times of eliza mccard l johnson. Good evening and thank you for being wi