Who was the first lady from West Virginia to serve as First Lady of the United States?

Eleanor Roosevelt was the first lady from West Virginia to serve as First Lady of the United States. She is well-known not only for her role as the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt but also for her significant contributions to social causes and her active involvement in politics. Born in New York, she had ties to West Virginia through her family, particularly her maternal grandparents who owned a large estate in the state.

Her time as First Lady was marked by her advocacy for civil rights, women's rights, and her efforts to improve the condition of the impoverished during the Great Depression. Eleanor revolutionized the role of First Lady by becoming a public figure in her own right, engaging in social issues that resonated across the nation.

The other individuals mentioned, while notable figures, do not share the same connection to West Virginia. Lou Henry Hoover was from Iowa, Pat Nixon hailed from California, and Michelle Obama is originally from Illinois. Therefore, Eleanor Roosevelt stands out as the first lady who reflects West Virginia’s presence in the most prominent role associated with the presidency.